By Habeebullah Abdulrasheed.
Academic Elites of Ebiraland (AEE) has equipped more than 100 youths in Okene with skills to make them self reliant.
AEE, an organization of enlightened citizens of Nigeria who hailed from Kogi central senatorial district, trained the youths in bead making, CCTV/DSTV installation, website design and networking, liquid soap making, and make-up.
The president of the AEE, Engr Yunusa stated that the organization’s altruist gesture was aimed at making impact in the lives the youths. The youths were trained free of charge.
“I want you to know that we did not collect anything from any of the participants. It is our sign of gratitude to the community we come from. We hope to host this same type of program across Kogi State and Nigeria whenever we have a God-sent sponsorship.
“Our goal is to give real empowerment to youths with skills which can enable them to adapt in any society. But let me assure, we will not fold our arms waiting for sponsors. We will try our best to sustain this program,” he said.
The patron of the organization, Alhaji Bello, the Sadauna of Ebiraland, expressed his joy at the outcome of the programme.
“I was short of words when I entered this place seeing the good job these boys are doing to the society. Though I am their patron but never expert something of this magnitude.
“When they told me they wanted to host a seminar on skills acquisition and public discussion, I thought it is just between themselves because they never asked of money from me. I wish I am rich enough to further assist this oragnization. These are the type of boys the society really need. I pray for God to guide them and send a good hearted personality that will move this organization forward,” he said.
A participant from Ankpa local government, Abdulmalik Muhammed alongside with his wife Ochesuru Aminat expressed their satisfaction on the result of the training.
“Despite having to travel a long distance from Ankpa to Okene all because of this seminar, I can categorically tell you that I benefited from this training. Me and my wife partook in the soap making training and I can assure you we are going to start production as soon as we get home,” he said.
