No fewer than 35 artisans and small-scale business owners in Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government area of Osun State, have been empowered with power-generating sets by the Nigerian Ports Authority in conjunction with Ilerioluwa Empowerment Group.
Speaking at the empowerment and support scheme programme held in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the Executive Director of Marine and Operation, Nigerian Ports Authority, Engr. Olalekan Badmus said the scheme is to give back to society for economic growth and improve the lives of Nigerians.
Badmus who was represented by the chairman of the local organizing committee, Dr. Dare Adeyemi disclosed that initiative is an offshoot of the community development programme at the Nigerian Ports Authority.
He noted that the scheme entails provision of basic social amenities and infrastructure to host communities around Nigerian ports to improve living standards.
According to him, “We gathered here to give out free power generating sets (2.5 Kva) coiled with 100% Copper as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility.
“This idea is more than just giving out this item but its about investing in the vitality of small-scale businesses and make sure that these businesses and our community as a whole grow in a sustainable way.
“You will agree with me that a stable supply of power is essential to the functioning of modern businesses. It keeps our equipment running and lit up our shops and outlets. However, we are all too familiar with the difficulties posed by unstable power supply, which can impede growth and undermines our productivity. These few challenges shall be lessened as we will be giving out not less than thirty-five power generating sets to people so that their businesses can run smoothly and realise their full potential.
“Through partnership with groups like Ilerioluwa Empowerment Group, the NPA will continue to make meaningful impact at communities’ level which aligns with the broader mission of fostering economic growth and improve the lives of Nigerians, who are of course the most important set of stakeholders irrespective of their places of residence.
“This initiative is an offshoot of the community development program at the Nigerian Ports Authority and this entails provision of basic social amenities and infrastructure to host communities around Nigerian ports. Sharing of these items to our artisans and small-scaled business owners will in no-doubt yield a rippling economic boost in our community and improve living standards, no matter how little.
“Let me inform you all that more of this lofty programme is still coming ahead. Gradually and turn by turn, we shall strive to facilitate more beneficial programmes for our people to enjoy,” he added.
Also speaking one the beneficiaries, Rahamont Agboola expressed gratitude to Nigerian Ports Authority and Ilerioluwa Empowerment Group for empowering them with the generating set.
Agboola said, ”I appreciate Nigerian Ports Authority and Ilerioluwa Empowerment Group for giving us generating set at time we are facing challenges of power supply.
One of the beneficiaries, Sulaiman Adijat commended Engr. Olalekan Badmus for supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.
She said, “We appreciate the Minister for Marine and Blue Economic Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola and Engr. Olalekan Badmus for bring this opportunity to artisans and small-scale business owners in the state and APC.
