There were tears of joy in Oke-Offin, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, on Tuesday, as the Security Adviser to Kogi State Government, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), put smiles on the faces of three artisans and showered cash gifts on scores of women at a mega empowerment programme.
The artisans who benefited from Omodara’s benevolence include Mustapha Abdulhamid, a barber, who received a full set of equipment to set up his business; Olorunfemi Solomon, a trained tiler who previously lacked the tools of his trade and now has everything he needs to start work; and Muritala Adebayo, an Abuja-based fashion designer who has returned home to train others in the craft, and was similarly equipped to begin.
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Beyond the artisans, Omodara empowered residents of the local government with motorcycles, deep freezers, and sewing machines, while several women and men received cash gifts to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Security Adviser said he has been empowering family and community members for the past 25 years, dating back to his days in the Navy. He described the annual programme as his way of giving back to society, promoting self-reliance, and delivering dividends of democracy to rural dwellers — stressing that it was not driven by political motives.
Omodara urged the beneficiaries to put the cash and equipment to good use in bettering their lives and those of their families.
He also appealed for strong support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to sustain the gains of democracy.
Beneficiaries Mustapha Abdulhamid and Olorunfemi Solomon expressed delight at the gesture, praying for God’s blessings on Commander Omodara.
