By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

A member of House of Representatives,Hon Yinka Ahmed Aluko representing Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency of Kwara State in the National Assembly has urged women and youths in his constituency to utilize the skills acquired in the just concluded empowerments program in order to meet their needs and that of their families and survive the current economic hardship.

Speaking at the completion of the four day orientation , training and empowerment program for women and youth from his constituency , organised by the National Institute For Hospitality and Tourism in collaboration with the office of the legislator,Dr Yinka Aluko said the idea of the initiative is to drastically reduce poverty level among the people.

205 beneficiaries comprising of youths both males, females and women from his constituency, were skilled by professionals in Soap making, Poultry, Painting, Vaseline and Hypo production during the period .

The beneficiaries who were given Startup Kits and N50,000 each after completion were advised not to sell of the Startup kit and divert the amount, but utilise it for starting up their individual businesses.

The legislator who was represented at the event by the APC Chairman of Ilorin South local government Hon AndulAkeem Jaji said there’s no government job anywhere,that having commenced production they should be brave to market the product and start making money from the venture.

He explained that in today contemporary situation, it is more profitable for individual or group to learn a trade and venture into the business which he noted is far profitable than any government job .

The legislator who urged the beneficiary not to be afraid of little beginning noted that the richest people in the world are not government workers but business men and women who all started from the scratch.

He therefore advised the participants to take the advantage of the opportunity and start up a business no matter how small and grow it to their taste assuring that they’ll all become millionaire in no distant time.

In his address the Director ,National Institute For Hospital and Tourism,Dr Philip Maga , represented by Mrs Victoria Omoleaupen from Entrepreneurship unit of the Institute said the aim of the programme is to eradicate poverty in Nigeria.

He advised the participants to give the training all the seriousness required , adding that government can not do it alone.

Dr,Maga also urged the trainees to use the training to develop themselves and their families.

In his lecture on poultry farming ,the guest speaker,Adeniyi Stephen advised the participants to choose a vocation of their interest and give it all the attention needed to develop it .

He noted that poultry business is lucrative and can be ventured into by every interested person.

For his part the Programme Coordinator,Mr Clement Alegimenlen said the best way to assist the youth is through vocational skills.

He said the initiative would reduce youth restiveness and make them employers of labour.

Two of the beneficiaries, Sheriff Ibrahim and Adisa Oluwabunmi Akanbi at separate interviews with journalists applauded the skills opportunities given to them by the lawmaker and assured that they’ll make the best use of the acquired skills to achieve their dreams.