By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

It was a day of joy in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, as ten members of the Tailoring Association of Nigeria (TAN), Ilaro branch, received brand-new Two Lion sewing machines under the Federal Government’s empowerment initiative. The presentation ceremony, held at the Recreation Club, Ilaro, was filled with excitement and gratitude as beneficiaries and community leaders gathered to celebrate the gesture aimed at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs.

In his remarks, Dr. Mukail Akinde, who facilitated the empowerment, explained that the initiative became a reality through his connection with Mr. Gbenga Abiodun Eleduma, CEO of Gatplus Dynamics Resources Ltd., Abuja, whom he met via Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), representing Ogun West at the National Assembly. He noted that his interaction with Eleduma during a visit to Abuja provided the opportunity to secure the machines for vulnerable tailors in Ilaro-Yewa. Dr. Akinde added that many tailors in the community lacked efficient equipment to improve productivity, describing the gesture as a way to uplift hardworking artisans at the grassroots level.

Speaking via telephone from Abuja, Mr. Gbenga Abiodun Eleduma said the presentation was part of the Federal Government’s Training and Empowerment Programme for Fashion Designers and Tailoring Professionals under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He commended Dr. Akinde for using his connections to benefit his community and urged the beneficiaries to utilize the machines productively. According to him, the success of such initiatives could inspire the government to expand empowerment opportunities across the country.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Chairman of TAN, Chief Sebil Amoo Hamed, praised Senator Adeola Yayi for his continuous contributions to grassroots empowerment across Ogun West. One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Azeez Agboola, expressed appreciation on behalf of others, describing the distribution process as transparent and fair. He said the quality sewing machines would greatly enhance their productivity, especially as the festive season approaches. Agboola also thanked President Tinubu, Senator Yayi, Mr. Eleduma, and Dr. Akinde for their benevolence.

Commending the gesture, the President of the Recreation Club, Ilaro, Mr. Kayode Salako, lauded Dr. Akinde’s community spirit and described Mr. Eleduma as a philanthropist with a genuine love for humanity. He advised beneficiaries not to sell the machines but to use them meaningfully to encourage future empowerment opportunities. Similarly, a prominent APC leader in Yewa South, Alhaji (Hon.) Otunba Adetunji Idowu (Akara), applauded Dr. Akinde for remembering his people and urged residents to support Senator Adeola Yayi in his political aspirations, describing him as a true son of Yewaland.

Speaking on behalf of all recipients, Mr. AbdulWasiu Akorede Balogun (Zenith) expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Senator Yayi, Dr. Akinde, and Mr. Eleduma, saying the empowerment came at a perfect time ahead of the Oronna Festival and Christmas season when tailors are busiest. The event concluded with prayers led by Otunba Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, Publisher of StarTrend Int’l Magazine, who prayed for divine blessings on all facilitators and beneficiaries. The ceremony was attended by TAN officials, members of the Recreation Club, and dignitaries from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.