Foundation empowers 600 women in Ondo with acquisition skills

ABOUT 600 women in Ondo State have received vocational training and start-up equipment under an empowerment programme implemented by the Jummy I Care Foundation (JICF), with an investment of more than N200 million.

The founder of the foundation, Chief (Mrs) Jumoke Abegunde, disclosed this in Akure during the distribution of work tools to beneficiaries of the programme, which also includes humanitarian interventions for women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Abegunde said the initiative was designed to let vulnerable women become economically self-reliant, explaining that her decision to focus on skills acquisition was based on the need to provide beneficiaries with sustainable livelihoods rather than temporary financial relief.

She said beneficiaries were trained in perfume making, herbal oil and lip gloss production, craft making, ICT, bag making, makeup, shoemaking, pastry making, pedicure and manicure, among others.

ALSO READ: Tinubu’s directive on cleared EFCC recoveries will strengthen NELFUND – Alausa

Abegunde added that the current programme began last year, while the foundation has been involved in humanitarian activities for about nine years.

She said her husband funded the organisation for eight years, while the Make Me Elegant Beauty Foundation and House of Destiny Foundation joined the initiative this year.

Abegunde explained that beneficiaries were selected through an online registration process that attracted applicants from Ondo and neighbouring Edo, Delta and Osun states.

Akure was chosen as the training centre because of its central location, with beneficiaries travelling from different parts of Ondo State.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation, saying the training and start-up items will enable them to establish businesses and improve their families’ welfare.

She added that the foundation also had empowerment initiatives for men and cited its “Women on Wheels” programme, through which women are provided with tricycles to support their businesses.

Abegunde dismissed suggestions that the initiative was politically motivated, saying it was driven by her personal passion for humanitarian service.