Uplifting Youngsters lifts Olodi-Apapa youths with sewing machines, urges self-inspiration - ITREALMS

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Some youths in Olodi-Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State, have been lifted with donation of sewing machines and enjoined to inspire themselves academically and be skillful in achieving their set goals despite the background, reports ITREALMS.

The convener, Uplifting Youngsters Foundation (UYF), Ms Chioma Ejere made this assertions during the empowerment programme of 10 indigent youths of Olodi-Apapa with sewing machines by her foundation which was sponsored by the United States-based ‘The Pollination Project.
Ms Ejere in her keynote address appreciated the support received from ‘The Pollination Project’ towards amelioration of the sufferings of the young ones who are from low-income area with no assistance to further their studies or empower themselves for greater productivity.

"The passion to touch the needy, less-priviledge, school drop-outs was borne out of my desire in uplifting the youngsters in my locality. The reason why Ajegunle is my starting-up point is because this is my neighbourhood; I was born, and raised here.

Ejere said she came to realise that there are many young ones choosing the wrong paths which prevent them from achieving their goals, as well as the need to educate them about being positive despite the ills in the immediate environment become imperative to make them standouts.

She urged the youths, especially in Olodi-Apapa to make good use of the sewing machine, assuring the foundation will follow up on how effective the equipment is being put to use.

"Having realised the financial constraints of the low-income families, we encouraged our mentees to learn a skill while we empower them or sponsor their education upto university based on the criteria. We don't just educate, inspire but support their dream as well which is being replicated today," she said.

The convener also urged the beneficiaries to see beyond their environment in achieving their goals.

The chairperson of the occasion and retired-officer of Nigerian Customs, Mrs Angelina Aku charged the beneficiaries to view sewing as a noble profession and embrace their ambitions with passion thereby making good use of the empowerment scheme for their betterment.

She enjoined the beneficiaries to make use of their time and focus on their career, be it skilled or education to achieve a better life.

Equally speaking in response to a question, Dr. Venicia Uchechi Iroakazi advised the youths to pursue their career with utmost priority to succeed by devoting time to study well for a rewarding future.

The event was comperéd by an Ajegunle-bred, renowned and qualified pharmacist, Emmanuel Nwachukwu of Pharmasymbiosis Nigeria Limited.

ITREALMS gathered that the foundation started in February, 2021 to assist young people between the ages of 14-22 years within Olodi-Apapa axis by offering scholarship grants to those willing to further their education and empowering those who learn skills.

Some of the beneficiaries of the maiden empowerment programme are Talabi Kofoworola,Hope Samson Udoh, Sunday Daniel, Peace Charles Iwok, Jubril Busayo, Nike Bolarinwa, Winfred Williams, Deborah Onwuzuruike, Emmanuel Anocha and Joy Nwachukwu.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Peace Charles expressed delight on the presentation of the sewing machine which is going to be a good source of income thereby aiding her skill. She learnt about the foundation through a senior colleague in high school.

Another beneficiary, Daniel Sunday appreciated the kind gestures in making his dreams of being self- employed a reality.

"I can sew very well but no machine to work, someone introduced me to Chioma, while she explained the foundation aims; she got some information about me and I was chosen. Today I’m one of the lucky persons,” he said.

Gbemi Omotoso/Editor

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