Group empowers outstanding students at anniversary

The Fountain of Life for the Needy Foundation (FOLF), has empowered six individuals with requisite tools and materials to kick-start their businesses.

The group also rewarded outstanding students from three junior second schools with cash to aid their studies, as part of the activities to mark its 10th anniversary in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of the Foundation, Joyce Oduah, said the programme spanning two weeks, was borne out of a deep conviction to help the needy in the society.

To celebrate the anniversary, three empowerment programmes were initiated to empower indigent members of society.

Apart from training 200 women in makeup artistry, millinery hat-making, and stove thread making, five women and a male paraplegic were selected and given tools to start their business.

In the education segment, Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Ajegunle, came first in the debate competition winning N100,000, Wesley Girls Junior Secondary School came second receiving N75,000, while ACS Comprehensive College, Ajegunle, Apapa received N50,000 for coming third.

According to Oduah, in the business proposal segment, the five proposals submitted did not meet the criteria.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Lola Akande, said her ministry supports such initiatives and also empowers women through training in over 17 skill acquisition centres in Lagos

Represented by Mrs. Folake Oluyemi, the commissioner stressed the importance of women empowerment to uplift families and develop the society.

In his keynote, Prof. O. O. Amund, of University of Lagos, urged leaders and the wealthy to use their money to positively impact the society.

He said given the condition of women, there could be no meaningful development if they are excluded from development plans.