"Be prudent, dedicated," Governor Bello to beneficiaries of Mrs Osinbajo's project, 'Helping Hands Initiative' »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has advised 400 beneficiaries of the Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo’s Helping Hands Initiative code named Step Up to be prudent in the use of the resources accruing from the training they have received and the dedicated to their craft.

He gave the charge this Friday in Lokoja in an address before inspecting the materials they produced and presenting certificates to selected graduands.

The Coordinator of the programme, Miss Joanna Boma Osigwe had earlier explained that part of the mission of the initiative was the empowerment of women and men with life skills necessary for them to generate income for themselves and contribute positively to their communities.

She said the finished products on display were testaments to what the participants have been produce during the training, describing them as qualitative and stressing that beneficiaries were set to make a difference in the society.

Governor Yahaya Bello applauded Mrs Osinbajo for extending tthe gesture to the state, and said it showed the passion she has for the less fortunate in the society.

Governor Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja maintained that the two weeks training programme and certification was capable of adding value to the lives of the beneficiaries, generate revenue for them and their families and increase the revenue base of the state.

He then expressed appreciation to the the trainers and coordinators who stayed all through the period of the training in Kogi State out of their normal living environment to impact the lives of citizens of the state.

“I believe you were secured while in the state and you did not experience any form of criminality such as kidnapping, armed robbery or kidnapping. Please tell them in Abuja when you get back that Kogi State is secured undee this government.

“Please help extend the appreciation of our administration to Her Excellency, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo the initiator of the programme. We love her very much in this state.

“To the Graduands, you now you have something in your minds and knowledge that you can use your hands to do. We believe this is the beginning of greater things in your lives.”

Highlight of the occasion was certificate presentation to selected beneficiaries by the representative of the Governor.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mrs Folashade Ayoade Arike represented the wife of the Governor, Mrs Rashida Bello at the event. Also present at the occasion were commissioners for women Affairs and Social Development, Education and Environment; Mrs Fatima Buba, Hon Adewale Omofaye, and Hon Wemi Jones and the State Head of Civil Service, Elder Deborah Ogunmola.