Ashafa empowers Artisans in his Senatorial District.

The lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator 'Gbenga B. Ashafa has reiterated that the only way to curb unemployment and the level of abject poverty in our society is to empower the people in our various constituencies.

Ashafa, an apostle of youth empowerment, said this at the just concluded empowerment programme for some selected artisans at his Constituency Office, Ikosi-ketu, during the weekend. It would be recalled that the empowerment programme has become a routine by the Senator since he assumed office in June, 2011.

According to the lawmaker, "At the heart of my Empowerment Scheme is the urgent need to diversify, strengthen and deepen the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Industry; a sector that has the capacity and the unexploited potential of generating inconceivable amount of employment opportunity.' He said.

The lawmaker enjoins the beneficiaries to make use of the empowerment tools maximally to meet their daily needs and not to sell it for quick cash. "I want to use this medium to advice you all to use these empowering tools maximally to bring out that special skill in your area of specialisation. I wish you all the best in all your endeavours" he said.

Miss Salami Abiola, one of the beneficiaries from Ojota, Kosofe Local Government could not hold her tears when she was presented a brand new Sewing Machine. In her words, 'I am highly elated for this gesture, I wouldn't have gotten this opportunity if not for this programme, I enjoin all other lawmakers to emulate this gesture' she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr, Quadri Olamilekan from Ikorodu West LCDA who finished his intership training in vulcanizing several years ago but never had the opportunity of owning his working tools to survive. He gave kudos to the lawmaker for making his dreams come true.

The empowerment tools distributed at the gathering included brand new Sewing Machines,Vulcanizing Machines, Barbing Kits including Power Generating Sets, Hair Dryers, Welding Machines and other accessories.

caption: L-R: APC Chieftain, Alhaji Bareehu Akeusure, Secretary of Somolu LG, Dr Owolabi Salu, a beneficiary, Miss Adebanjo Mistura, the sponsor, Senator 'Gbenga Ashafa, during the empowerment programme by the Senator at his constituency office, Ketu, Lagos, on Saturday.