Metro
Tailors in Ilaro Smile as FG, Senator YAYI, Gbenga Eleduma Bring Empowerment
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The lives of ten tailors in Ilaro, Ogun State, have been transformed after receiving brand-new Two Lion Sewing Machines from the Federal Government, courtesy of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) and Mr Gbenga Eleduma, CEO of Gatplus Dynamics Resources Ltd.
The presentation ceremony took place at the prestigious Recreation Club, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State – a venue that became a hub of celebration and gratitude for beneficiaries and community leaders alike.
In his opening remarks, Dr Akinde explained how he leveraged his connections with Mr Gbenga Abiodun Eleduma, CEO of Gatplus Dynamics Resources Ltd., Abuja – the relationship he established through Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), representing Ogun West at the current Senate of the National Assembly.
According to the Rector, it was through this collaboration that the empowerment initiative became a reality for ten unpredetermined tailors in Ilaro.
“During one of my visits to Abuja(Dr Akinde Mukail), I met Mr Gbenga Eleduma through Senator Adeola(YAYI) in the course of our discussions, and I learnt that his company, through the Federal Government(FG), was running an empowerment programme. I immediately used that opportunity and privilege to request sewing machines for some vulnerable tailors in Ilaro-Yewa”, Dr Akinde revealed.
He added that his personal findings in recent months revealed that many professional tailors in the community lacked efficient machines that could enhance productivity and service delivery.
“I used the little opportunity that I have through Senator Adeola YAYI to put smiles on the faces of grassroots people in Ilaro-Yewa and environs”, he said, expressing appreciation to both Senator YAYI and Mr Eleduma for their cooperation.
He, however, urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the equipment to encourage more donors to extend similar gestures in the future.
Speaking via telephone from Abuja, Mr Gbenga Abiodun Eleduma, CEO of Gatplus Dynamics Resources Ltd., congratulated the beneficiaries, explaining that the presentation was part of the Federal Government’s Training and Empowerment Programme for Fashion Designers and Tailoring Professionals, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The initiative was suggested by Dr Akinde, whom I met through Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi. I must commend Dr Akinde for remembering his people at such an opportunity.
“He who thinks of others’ progress shall also enjoy abundant blessings from God”, he said, praising Dr Akinde’s love for community development, Eleduma noted.
Eleduma urged the beneficiaries to use the sewing machines to boost their businesses and strengthen their livelihoods, emphasising that the success of this phase could encourage the government to do more.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Chairman of the Tailoring Association of Nigeria (TAN), Chief Sebil Amoo Hamed, commended Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi for the numerous constituency projects and empowerment initiatives ongoing across Ogun West.
He noted that the sewing machine distribution was another example of Yayi’s commitment to grassroots upliftment.
One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Azeez Agboola, who spoke on behalf of Chief Sebil Hamed, expressed appreciation for the transparent selection and fair distribution of the sewing machines.
“The process was very transparent, and the Two Lion brand machines are of high quality. They will go a long way to boost our businesses because many of us have longed to own machines of this standard”, Agboola said.
He thanked President Tinubu, Senator Adeola Yayi, Mr Eleduma, and Dr Akinde for facilitating the gesture and assured that the association would monitor the proper use of the machines to ensure accountability.
“We pray that God will bless and guide President Tinubu, Senator Yayi, Dr Akinde, and Mr Eleduma for their generosity”, he added.
Mr Kayode Salako, President of the Recreation Club, Ilaro (RCI), also lauded Dr Akinde for his magnanimity and community spirit.
He expressed gratitude to Mr Eleduma, describing him as “a Delta-born philanthropist with a large heart for humanity.”
“Not everyone thinks the way he does. I urge beneficiaries not to sell these machines but to use them meaningfully so that future empowerment will continue.”
Salako prayed that God would continue to strengthen the partnership among Eleduma, Senator Adeola Yayi, and Dr Akinde for the greater good.
A prominent APC leader in Yewa South, Alhaji (Hon ) Otunba Adetunji Idowu (Akara), also commended Dr Akinde for remembering his people through this act of kindness.
He warned against selfishness in such opportunities and appreciated Mr Eleduma for extending love to Ilaro through Senator Adeola Yayi, whom he described as “a true son of Yewa and the Okanlomo of Yewaland.”
“I urge all residents of Yewa South and beyond to obtain their Voter’s Cards so that we can make our voices count and support our distinguished Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the next Governor of Ogun State come 2027, Insha Allah.”
Otunba Tunji Idowu prayed for divine strength, wisdom, and long life for Senator Yayi.
Speaking on behalf of all recipients, Mr AbdulWasiu Akorede Balogun (Zenith), expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, Dr Mukail Akinde, and Mr Gbenga Eleduma for their generosity.
“This empowerment came at a perfect time – just before the Oronna Ilaro Festival and Christmas, when tailors are at their busiest. We promise to make the best use of these machines”, he stated.
Zenith, as he is fondly called, thanked the facilitators and donors for their compassion and prayed for divine blessings upon them.
The event concluded with prayers led by Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of StarTrend Int’l Magazine.
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…Convener vows massive grassroots mobilisation for APC in 2027 general elections; commends members for dedication, steadfastness and commitment.
The Ogun State-based political movement, Omoluabi, led by its Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the revered royal icon of Yorubaland, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit was aimed at receiving royal blessings and guidance as the group prepares for the 2027 general elections. During the visit, the movement also unveiled 26 newly acquired buses to strengthen its political mobilization efforts across Ogun State.
The delegation, which included selected executive members, local government coordinators, and the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, was warmly received by the monarch.
Speaking during the visit, Akintunde described the Ooni as a father figure whose leadership and character inspired the name “Omoluabi.” He noted that seeking the monarch’s blessings was a significant step in the movement’s journey toward the next political phase in Ogun State and nation at large.
“We visited our royal father whose his character has demonstrated Omoluabi in all spheres of humanity. He was part of the idea when we started, Ooni is a father to us all, therefore moving into political journey, it’s important for us to seek for his royal blessings.
“This journey we have embarked upon is aimed at supporting the second-term aspiration of our party’s national leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his re-election bid. We are equally committed to supporting all our party’s candidates in Ogun State following the primaries.
“We are prepared to mobilize massively across the length and breadth of the state. The second-term race of our dear President, Asiwaju, remains our primary assignment, followed by unwavering support for all candidates who emerge in the forthcoming elections, just as we did prior to the 2023 general elections.
“This is a begining exercise for us all in the Omoluabi Political Movement in Ogun State, I appreciate our members, coordinators both the state and local governments levels, their unwavering commitment is top notch, may we continue to grow in strength and as we prepare towards the coming elections in Ogun State” – Akintunde said.
In the same vein, the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, commended the convener’s vision, commitment and dedication, emphasizing that the newly branded buses would enhance grassroots mobilization and facilitate participation in the forthcoming national convention in Abuja.
In his remarks, the monarch, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed joy at receiving the group and offered prayers for continued growth, unity and success in their future endeavours.
The political movement, Omoluabi has continued to distinguish itself as a fast-growing, grassroots-driven political platform committed to leadership development, community engagement and progressive governance in Ogun State.
With a strong presence across local governments and a clear mobilization structure, the group has positioned itself as a formidable force dedicated to empowering citizens and fostering inclusive political participation.
Under the leadership of Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, Omoluabi has demonstrated resilience, strategic organization and a people-centred vision aimed at sustainable development and democratic advancement.
The unveiling of the 26 buses further reflects the movement’s readiness, coordination and commitment to structured political engagement as it steadily builds momentum toward 2027.
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The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the approval of an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) designed to enhance retirement security and significantly close the existing gaps in the scheme.
This was made known during a meeting chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, following a series of strategic engagements between the State Government, representatives of labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and members of the Pension Fund Management Committees to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the CPS and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with the CPS law was not only mandatory but also beneficial to both employees and the State. He explained that the Defined Pension Scheme (DPS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were fundamentally different, adding that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was committed to bridging any identified gaps in order to protect workers’ interests.
He disclosed that Governor Dapo Abiodun, had approved the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) in line with extant laws. According to him, the APB was specifically designed to close the gap between the CPS and the old Defined Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to gratuity, which was not provided for under the CPS.
Mr. Okubadejo further explained that lump sum withdrawals which often resulted in reduced monthly pension payments, informed the Government decision to develop a more sustainable structure, saying that with the introduction of the APB, Government intended to seek necessary approvals from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure that pension contributions held by PFAs were preserved primarily for enhanced monthly payments, while the APB would serve as a one-off payment upon retirement.
“Unlike gratuity under the DPS, the APB would not be a fixed percentage. Instead, it will be computed based on specific criteria, including years of service and gross emoluments, to ensure fairness and equity among retirees. The benefit is scheduled to take effect from July 2026,” he said.
The Commissioner charged the Ministries involved in pension, PFAs, Labour unions to improve service delivery, intensify public enlightenment campaigns, and organize regular pre-retirement training sessions for workers at least six months before retirement to enhance their understanding of the pension scheme.
In their opening remarks, Permanent Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Offices, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, explained that the engagements were convened to deepen relationships, resolve emerging challenges and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.
They described the CPS as a tripod, resting on three critical stakeholders, the employer, the employee and the Pension Fund Administrators, stressing that effective synergy among them was essential for the success of the scheme.
Noting further, the Permanent Secretaries said that government had consistently demonstrated goodwill in addressing workers’ concerns, ensuring that retirees do not face uncertainty or financial hardship after years of service.
Responding on behalf of the Labour Unions, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, Mr. Ademola Benco and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Akeem Lasisi, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as a bold, thoughtful and worker-friendly initiative.
They noted that labour’s longstanding concern had been the sustainability and adequacy of monthly pension payments under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), but expressed satisfaction that the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) had effectively addressed those fears.
Describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented, the labour leaders affirmed their full support for the reform and the proposed structure for retirement benefits, adding that it reflected the administration’s commitment to the welfare and financial security of workers in the State.
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The Director-General of the Oyo Gaming and Lottery Board, Olajide Boladuro, has extended warm birthday wishes to Joseph Adeseye Famojuro, describing him as a key strategist, selfless philanthropist, and a unifying force within the community.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of himself and his family, Boladuro praised Famojuro popularly known as JAF for his quiet but impactful contributions to society, noting his tireless efforts in mobilizing people and fostering cooperation across political, ethnic, and religious divides.
He commended Famojuro’s enduring commitment to unity and service, saying his leadership and humanitarian spirit continue to inspire many.
Boladuro prayed for greater strength, wisdom, good health, and renewed capacity for service as Famojuro marks another year.
“May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and remarkable achievements,” the message concluded.
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