Renowned Philanthropist and Advocate of Women empowerment, Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko, has inaugurated the Canada Chapter of the Association of Female Skilled Artisans Initiative Canada, AOFSAIC, as part of efforts to further strengthen youth and women development initiatives across the globe.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Salvation Army Shelter in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, where stakeholders and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the expansion of the initiative dedicated to empowering African women through entrepreneurship and vocational skills.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Shona-Aluko explained that, the establishment of the Canada Branch was aimed at creating greater opportunities for African women through socio-economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable skill acquisition programmes.
According to her, the initiative is focused on practical vocational training in areas such as fashion designing, crafts, hairdressing, and other skills capable of promoting financial independence among women.
She noted that the Association of Female Skilled Artisans has recorded significant success in Nigeria, with many beneficiaries sharing testimonies of personal and economic transformation.
The Yeye Bobajiro Oodua added that, the Canadian chapter would further extend support to women, particularly immigrants seeking better opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Also speaking at the event, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, emphasized the critical role artisans play in national development, commending the Association for its commitment to empowering African women and promoting economic inclusion.
Dignitaries present at the programme, including Chief Jumoke Abegunde, Chief Victor Alonge, Chief Habeeb Okunola, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, and Queen Esther Ejim, praised Yeye Shona-Aluko for her consistent contributions to human capital development both in Nigeria and internationally.
For many years, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko has remained actively involved in advocacy, mentorship, philanthropy, and job creation initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, youths, people with disabilities, orphans, and other vulnerable groups in society.
Her contributions to humanity have earned her numerous awards and recognitions both within Nigeria and in the diaspora for her unwavering dedication to uplifting the less privileged and promoting social development.
