By Maria Famakinwa
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The wife of Ondo State Governor Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has led other members of Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) to the 18th and the last editions of the empowerment programme at Akoko North East Local Government where participants who were trained freely on different skill acquisitions like beads making, shoe making, bag making and soap making among others were given start up kits.

 At the event which took place at Lenon Jubilee Grammar School, Ikare-Akoko, women who were trained in tailoring and hair dressing  but could not start due to paucity of fund were empowered, sewing and grinding machines and hair dryers were given to women who were jobless.

Students were also presented with laptops to aid their learning. The physically challenged were not left out as they also went home with wheelchairs.

In his welcome address, the Olukare of Ikare – Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh  praised her and Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for different developmental projects embarked upon since assuming office and urged the people to continue to support them.

Responding, Mrs Akeredolu described  FOWOSO as a train moving from one Local Government to another in the State to empower women so that they can be economically productive and contribute to the development of the State said that “we believe in doing all we can to advance the course of women.”

 She further described FOWOSO’s experience as a wonderful one and the beginning of good things for women in the State.

According to her, this, the present administration recognized women and want them to contribute in the development of the State which brought about FOWOSO.

“We want our women to be productive so that they can assist their husbands, homes and be self sufficient. For those who have learnt some trades without equipments to start, we will give them starting kits, while the jobless among the women will be given grinding machines to enhance their status.” Mrs Akeredolu appealed to women of the Local Government to continue supporting the present administration to enjoy more dividend of democracy.

In her goodwill message, the former Chairperson, Akoko North-East Local Government, Mrs Folakemi Eniayewu who described the empowerment programme as an opportunity to improve the lives of women in the State  thanked the First Lady for her efforts at repositioning the women of the State  on the right path for them to be self dependents and meet their families needs.

One of the beneficiaries who was taught how to make shoe, Ms Islamiat Abdulahi thanked Mrs Akeredolu for her good gestures and the rare opportunity given to her to earn a living and prayed that God will continue to bless her and give her strength and wisdom to do more.