Miteda Wellness Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Monday, empowered 39 artisans with various items in Ikaram-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items included: six industrial machines, six Butterfly sewing machines, two dryers, two washing basins, five grinding machines and herbicides.
Others were 10 spraying machines, two garri processing machines and six garri frying pots.
The Coordinator of the NGO, Dr Adefunmilola Williams-Dauda, who said that the annual programme was the eighth edition, explained that the gesture was aimed at helping the less-privileged in the society.
“Before now, more than 200 people used to benefit from free surgery and medical attention, while 295 volunteers outside the country usually attended but this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they could not attend.
“For this year, we only have 39 beneficiaries. Initially, I had suggestions to distribute food but I wanted something that would help people in the future.
“We aim to do more next year, and pray that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited the number of beneficiaries from 200 to 39, would have gone by then,” she said.
The coordinator, who also said that the items would serve as a source of livelihood for the beneficiaries, urged them to see the gesture as a privilege and make good use of the items.
Earlier, Oba Andrew Momodu, the Akala of Ikaram-Akoko, expressed appreciation to the coordinator for the initiative, urging the beneficiaries to learn their trade well in order to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
“As you receive these items, make sure you use them well and multiply their proceeds. If you know your trade well, people will patronise you,” the royal father said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Kayode Banfe, from Ikaram-Akoko, thanked the coordinator for the usual empowerment programme in the community.
He said the items given out would go a long way to change the lives of the beneficiaries, lift them from poverty and help them become self-employers. (NAN)
