By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Biodun Collins Ogundipe (BCO) Foundation has empowered no fewer than 300 beneficiaries across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State with working tools and vocational training valued at about ₦50 million.

The empowerment programme covered graphic design training with laptop support, PoS operation training with machine empowerment, solar installation training with starter kits, make-up artistry training with kits, and scholarship awards.

Items distributed included laptops, PoS machines with ₦100,000 start-up capital each, power banks and make-up kits.

Speaking during the distribution, founder of the foundation, Dr Biodun Collins Ogundipe, said the BCO Foundation has been giving back to society consistently over the past six years.

He noted that government allocations alone cannot address unemployment challenges, stressing the need for creativity and innovation in governance to attract investment and create sustainable jobs.

“Development has gone beyond the construction of roads. Innovation and technology are what drive investment and sustainable employment,” Ogundipe said.

An artificial intelligence expert, he added that with the right leadership, Ogun State could deploy technology to generate revenue and employment.

“Whatever we can do to support government efforts to put smiles on people’s faces is what the BCO Foundation is committed to. Today, we are giving out laptops and PoS machines. Beyond that, beneficiaries have undergone training in graphics design, make-up artistry and solar power installation, and we are providing them with the necessary tools.

“We are not just distributing PoS machines; beneficiaries were trained on their use and given ₦100,000 start-up capital to enable them earn a meaningful living,” he said.

Ogundipe also disclosed that the foundation recently distributed 657 chickens across the 20 local government areas of the state, and donated three buses to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Two scholarship beneficiaries of the foundation, Adedapo Samuel, an Aerospace Engineering student of Lagos State University (LASU), and Precious Sunday, an Agricultural Economics student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), said they have received consistent support from the foundation.

According to them, the support covers tuition, monthly stipends, feeding and learning materials since the beginning of their studies.

They commended the foundation for transforming the educational pursuits of young Nigerians and enabling beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Chief Femi Soluade, praised the foundation and its founder, describing the interventions as a lifeline that would have multiplier effects on society.