A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Tunde Olatunji, representing Ife North State Constituency, has stated that a sustainable national economy can only be built through empowerment of women, youths and individuals living with disabilities.
Olatunji noted that economy of the Western countries and the recent Asian tiger phenomenon were products of engagement of small and medium enterprises, rather than big industries and corporation.
The lawmaker, who is the chairman of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce stated this during a chat with the Nigerian Tribune while flagging off the Kajola Empowerment Initiative for Women, Youth and People Living with Disabilities in Ife North constituency.
Olatunji also observed that most orphans and special people who often begged on the streets could be financially empowered through engagement in productive enterprise only if they were assisted with little funds, equipment, skills and effective monitoring.
The lawmaker contended that what was responsible for the failure of government sponsored empowerment programmes was poor monitoring by the relevant officials.
At the programme, no fewer than 30 physically challenged people who indicated interest in identifiable entrepreneurial activities received cash assistance between 20 and 25 thousand, while some traders also got 50 thousand naira market support grant.
Three orphanages also received cash, food items and beverages which the donor said would be done on a monthly basis.
Mr Olatunji added that as part of measures to alleviate poverty among youths, 250 forms would be distributed to youths in the area to indicate their areas of interest for subsequent training for a period of six months and additional financial assistance to start their own businesses.