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Ooni Empowers 70 Graduands After One Year Free Training
The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II has canvassed for capacity building for the teeming Nigerian youths as the lead way towards the prosperous future for the country.
Ooni, who is also the co -chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) made this known on Saturday at his Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile Ife while addressing a cross section of beneficiaries of the Ojaja Fashion Institute, which is one of the monarch’s initiatives through which youths are being trained to become professional fashion designers.
Addressing the 70 graduands who were also empowered with sewing machines and other tailoring equipments witnessed by their trainers, parents, guardians and dignitaries at the event, Ooni Ogunwusi decried the restiveness of the youths across the country which he attributed to idleness and unemployment.
“This initiative started as a simple training for Ile Ife youths, especially children of the poor but we had to transform it into an institute to accommodate more people across the country.
“Due to poverty and idleness, most youths have found themselves perpetrating several forms of evil, especially our young girls and ladies. Most of them resort into prostitution just to acquire basic necessities of life.
“I came up with this initiative because I realized that we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder as a society if our youths are not trained and mentored to gain financial independence and be able to fend for themselves”. Ooni said
“I want to congratulate the beneficiaries and also urge them to make the best use of this opportunity, while I implore their parents and guardians to support their dreams and aspirations”, Ooni stressed.
Also in his remarks, the director of Ojaja Fashion Training Institute, Adeyanju Samuel commended the African foremost monarch for his youth development and empowerment agenda, describing him as a God’s unique gift to the world.
Adeyanju who explained that the institute has since its establishment by Ooni trained several professional fashion designers, saying this will go a long way drastically reducing the level of poverty in the society..
He noted that Hausa, Ibo, Yorubas and other tribes of Nigeria have benefitted from the one year free training. He thus urged other philanthropists to emulate Ooni for the good gesture towards the less privileged.
Adeyanju also praised International Breweries, makers of Trophy lager beer and supporters for their material and financial contributions towards the success of the institute.
Similarly, the National President Nigeria Union of Tailors, Comrade Wasiu Taiwo, praised Ooni Ogunwusi for being a saviour of this generation, lauding him on the project which he called first of its kind across the country especially coming from a traditional ruler.
While urging government to impact the citizenry with adequate dividends of democracy, Comrade Taiwo admonished the graduands to face their work and ensure that they develop their carrier to greater height.
Pledging to take fashion and tailoring profession to the next level, the national tailors union boss expressed the willingness of his union to partner with the Ooni on the project with a view to productively engaging the jobless youths. He also explained that such an initiative will help combat poverty, especially among Nigeria’s teeming youths most of whom are unemployed despite being educated.
Mrs Eniola Ali-Faweya, the Corporate Affairs Manager, International Breweries, lauded Ooni for his goodness towards the society. She advised the graduands to dedicate and disseminate effectively well what they have learnt and ensure they updated themselves globally through the internet.
Mrs Ali-Faweya pledged that the company would continue supporting Ooni in all his efforts to empower youth and beneficiaries of other initiatives of the monarch.
Miss Kehinde Adebiyi who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries applauded Ooni for transforming her life through the training and for setting her up with quality sewing machines.
Adebiyi said she was hopeless for she had no helper, but now Oba Ogunwusi had given her hope.
She promised to utilise the privilege wisely and urged other roaming about youths to find something tangible to do rather than wasting their brighter future.
China has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on US imports, raising the rate from 34 percent to 84 percent, in response to new American trade measures that came into effect on Wednesday.
The decision, confirmed by China’s finance ministry, will take effect from 12:01 p.m. on Thursday. It follows the imposition of sweeping new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, including a hefty 104 percent duty on certain Chinese goods.
“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes and severely infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement, warning of “firm and forceful” countermeasures.
Beijing has long opposed the increasing use of tariffs as a tool in trade disputes, and accused Washington of undermining the multilateral rules-based global trading system.
In a related move, China’s commerce ministry also announced it would blacklist six American artificial intelligence companies, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The companies were accused of either supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating with the island on military technology.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.
Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.
While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.
Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.
In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.
“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.
The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.
