Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III on Thursday pledged his unwavering support to all aspiring entrepreneurs in Ogbomosoland.
The monarch who made the promise on Thursday during the presentation of business tools worth N150 Million to 102 Indigenes of Ogbomoso said “My doors will always be open to your concerns, aspirations and suggestions.”
The beneficiaries who were drawn acrross the five Local Government Areas were given items such as Industrial sewing Machines, Motorcyles tricycles Deep freezer, Generators and Hair Dryers.
The empowerment programm which mark the begining of coronation of the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso is an initiative of Ogbomoso First Community Initiative (O-First Group) in conjunction with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Oba Olaoye in his speech said “Since my confirmation by the government of Oyo State and subsequent installation as the SOUN of OGBOMOSO, I have emphasized consistently, that the comprehensive development of Ogbomosoland would by the grace of God, be central to my reign as the SOUN. I also emphasized that commencing immediately, lifting our people across all five Local Governments out of poverty lines will be pursued evenly, with vigor, determination, collaboration and synchronization among those facilitating.”
“Altogether, this phase covers a total of 102 indigenes of Ogbomosoland and this is only the beginning of good things to come. As we progress, the nature of empowerment in tools, skills and opportunities will become diverse and applicable in the current global environment and labour market.
While appreciating the Ogbomoso first group for their unwavering commitment to the development of Ogbomosoland, the monarch also thanked Federal Government of Nigeria for the collaboration in bringing the initiative to fruition. “The people of Ogbomosoland shall continue to strengthen the existing network with the government and also build new ones. Through this we shall attract more development initiatives and projects to the land.” He said
Oba Soun while congratulating the beneficiaries warns them against selling the items “these are NOT gifts that should be taken for granted. Rather, they are tools that present great opportunity to unlock your potentials and contribute to the economic growth of our community. I urge you to embrace this gesture with enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility and to recognize the tool given to you as coming from God. Remember, the success of your business ventures will not only benefit yourselves and your families, but also create jobs and opportunities for others within our city.
“For your information, a monitoring mechanism has been set up in the palace and with the O-First Group to track the utilization of these items. You are also reminded that following the signed agreement, you are to guide against misuse and sale of these items as such would attract legal actions and jeopardise the interest of your guarantors. ” He concluded
Sir Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle, OON, KJW,President, Ogbomoso First Community Initiative (O-First Group) in his remark said the event is not only to celebrate the coronation of our new Soun, but also to witness a testament of his commitment to improving the socio-economic status of our people in Ogbomosoland through empowerment programs and initiatives.
“Your Imperial Majesty, we are honored be part of your vision to uplift the economic status of indigent Ogbomoso citizens. We are similarly grateful that you have graced this occasion with your presence. We believe that your leadership will guide us towards a brighter future for Ogbomosoland.
Representative of the Federal Ministry of Minsstry of Work Engineer Sola Gbolahan commended the o First and lawmakers from the area for facilitating the items for ingenes and urge beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items
Other speakers at the event including Akogun Bolaji Adigun, Hon Segun Dokun Odebubmi, Professor Arinlade Jekayinfa in their various speeches appreciate Ogbomoso first group for deeming it fit to Honour the Kabiesi with such empowerment program.
Some of the beneficiaries appreciate Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye and Ogbomoso first group for considering them worthy for such honour and pray for peaceful and productive reign
