IFEDORE AGOG AS MRS AKEREDOLU STORMS THE AREA WITH FOWOSO EMPOWERMENT
The people of Ifedore, a densely populated local government area in the central senatorial district of Ondo state, trooped out en masse with keen interest to welcome the wife of Ondo State Governor and founder of Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO), as she leads the FOWOSO empowerment train to the area for the 12th edition of the FOWOSO empowerment programme.
On arrival, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was heartily received by the traditional rulers in the local government, with their wives, at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede Ilufemiloye (Ogidi III of Igbara-Oke), at Igbara-Oke town, headquarters of Ifedore LGA.
In his welcome address, Oba (Dr.) Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede Ilufemiloye expressed delight at Mrs Akeredolu’s visit and commended her for proving her ability to lead the womenfolk in the state through her numerous women and girls related programmes, such as the 2018 BEMORE Summer Bootcamp where about 400 girls were trained and empowered with life-changing skills and laptops, and the FOWOSO empowerment outreaches in other local government areas of the state.
In his words, “Your Excellency, we are happy to receive you on behalf of the Council of Obas and the good people of Igbara-Oke in Ifedore local government. As you can see, the entire people of the town are happy to receive and have you in our town.
“Your Excellency, you have indeed shown that you have what it takes to lead the women in our dear Sunshine State. We will also like to commend your initiative in giving hope to the younger generation by empowering them towards achieving success in their fields of endeavour.
“The recently concluded summer camp for girls, where over four hundred laptops were given to the participants is also commendable. I have also heard and read about the activities of FOWOSO in the areas of women and youth empowerment in the state. This has surely helped in alleviating poverty in our communities. I want to thank you, in anticipation, for Ifedore local government. I am optimistic that this gesture will help create employment opportunities for women and the beneficiaries.”
At the Anglican Grammar School Igbara-Oke playground, venue of the outreach, the Ifedore women from all the wards in the local government came out in their colourful uniform attire, alongside BEMORE girls from the area. Youth corps members serving in the area displayed a parade of honour. The event also witnessed cultural displays from both indigenes and non-indigenes of the area, and presentation of empowerment startup kits to the beneficiaries.
Over a hundred women took part in skills acquisition, such as bead making, makeup/makeovers, soap making and production of other household cleaning materials. Indigent widows and other women were empowered with grinding machines, sewing machines, and hair dryers. Also, some laptops were given to youths in the area.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Akeredolu stated that the FOWOSO empowerment outreaches are aimed at making women achieve their potentials and become economically viable, so as to support their husbands and families. She also added that FOWOSO is an avenue for educating women on their health and well-being.
Present at the event were the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye Felix, APC chieftains, other tip government officials, clergymen, FOWOSO and BRECAN members, and community members.
