Ogun-Waterside Vice Chairman, Phillips, Applauds Step Up Nigeria Innitiative, Charges Beneficiaries on self Discipline

The Executive Vice Chairman of Ogun-Waterside LG, Princess Abioye Phillips, has applauded The Women Helping Hand Initiative (TWHHI) under the aegis of Step Up Nigeria that empowered 100 people in the local government through skill acquisition on basic sewing and poultry farming sponsored by Her Excellency, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, the wife of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Step Up Nigeria is a creative team, that build bridges for improved governance to tackle corruption and improve service delivery. The in-person graduation ceremony was held today in Ilusin Town Hall, Ogun-Waterside, with a virtual ceremony going on simultaneously in six other local governments of Ogun State where the training took place.

The empowerment program which is also intended to reduce the harsh economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic commenced three weeks ago with 100 participants who gathered practical knowledge on different skills and were presented with certificates and needed equipment to begin operations.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony and presentation of certificates with equipment upon graduation at the empowerment program, Phillips urged beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity for personal and societal development, adding that the empowerment of people remains a key priority of the local government leadership in Ogun-Waterside.

She advised the proper use of the equipment given to achieve maximum productivity.

She said, “Empowering the people to thrive is the major commitment for us. Our ultimate goal is to push the people into lives of self-sufficiency by focusing on people oriented programs offering education, skills training, financial literacy and mentoring, such as the initiative of Step Up Nigeria.”

"I am grateful to Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo for this wonderful initiative which will turn the lives of the participants and beneficiaries around for good. I urge all participants and beneficiaries of the Step Up Nigeria empowerment program to apply self discipline and make the best use of this opportunity by applying the practical knowledge they've gathered for both economic use and societal development.

“We are proud to have such impactful programme come to our local government, which will ensure a meaningful contribution to the lives of the people in our localgovernment. We extend our gratitude to everyone who made this a reality, and who remained steadfast in thier commitment to the success of this project.” She added.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Abiola Aminat expressed her gratitude to Step Up Nigeria.

She said, “I want to thank Step Up Nigeria for doing a lot for the people in our communities in Ogun-Waterside. I am so happy that I was selected to participate in this skill acquisition program. The knowledge gained will help increase my productivity and income which will enable me improve my standard of living and that of my family.”