Osogbo agog as Osun former Deputy Gov, Titi Tomori-ponle launches TTP Foundation

_…Oyetola, Deputy Senate President, Bisi Akande, Tunde Badmus, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, SRJ, Issah Niniola, Oyebamiji, Olufunso Amosun, Akinrinade, Olu Aina, Others In Attendance_

It was a gathering of eminent personalities across all works of life at the launching of the Titi Tomori-Ponnle Foundation in Osogbo the Osun State capital on Saturday.

At the event, where technocrats, politicians, academias and government of the day gathered to support the founder of TTP Foundation, former Osun Deputy Governor Otunba Titi Tomori-ponle through the newly launched Foundation to empower youths especially women across Osun State.

In his speech, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Bisi Akande CFR, gave kudos to the TTPF founder for her vision to formalise her efforts in helping the less privileged especially women in the society.

In her address, the former deputy governor of Osun and initiator of the foundation, Grace Titi Tomori-Ponnle stated that the cornerstone of development and national progress is the empowerment of young people and women.

She also disclosed that the concept for the foundation stemmed from a deep-seated vision to create a society where every youth and women can reach their full potential and achieve economic independence, and actively participate in shaping their communities.

She revealed that she decided to launch the foundation in response to observing first hand the challenges facing youths and women in the society.

She said, “Their resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit have inspired the creation of this foundation.”

She also lamented that she has not seen the desired results of most of the beneficiaries of empowerment programmes because hardship made some of them sell off the tools of their empowerment.

Tomori-Ponnle disclosed that the empowerment is in four pillars which included, “believing in the power of education as the greatest equalizer, commitment to comprehensive skills development, provision of microloans and grants and partnering with financial institutions to create sustainable pathways to economic independence and recognition that health is wealth.”

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola tasked well-meaning Nigerians on the need to invest in humanity through the promotion of skill acquisition initiatives, entrepreneurship and human development programmes.

Oyetola noted that human capital development was necessary for nation building.

He emphasised the need for Nigerians to rise and support the national dream of actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Earlier, Guest Speaker of the occasion, wife of former governor of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi challenged Nigerians to set up new values and create an enabling environment to tackle gender inequality.

Erelu Fayemi threw the challenge while delivering a lecture titled; “Breaking Barriers: Empowering the next generation of Nigerian women in business and public life”.

Fayemi who revealed that on gender equality, Nigeria was low held that stakeholders needed to, “Prioritise legislative and quality framework to bridge the gender justice and equality gap, champion sexual harassment prohibition bill at the national and state levels, give continual faith to women with equal representation in appointments.”

She also advocated that “women need sustainable partnership with men, need to make education of the girl child safe and less traumatic and investment in a consistent and planned manner for the girl child.”

While calling on the men to be responsible and God fearing providers for the family, she warned that full progress could not be recorded without the whole participation of women.

“There should be gender-friendly legislations that would provide an enabling environment for women to achieve their full potential in the country.”

Meanwhile, TTPF Board Chairman, Professor Eyitope Ogunmodede had earlier appreciated efforts of individuals who contributed morally and financially to the success of the launching especially board members.

In their separate remarks, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru; APC National Leader and former Osun State Governor, Chief Adebisi Akande; Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau represented by Musa Ladan; wife of former Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun and Chairman Board of Trustees of Titi Tomori-Ponle Foundation, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede extolled the founder’s vision to continuously place women and youths in their desired rightful place in the society saying “equipping youths with relevant skills would further help them contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.”

Meanwhile, those who have benefited and those currently undergoing training in different handiworks through Titi Tomori-ponle foundation also acknowledged the kind gesture of the founder. They prayed for a long life and prosperity for Titi Tomori-ponle.

The event has in attendance, Managing Director Chief Executive Officer National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; Federal Commissioner representing Osun State at the National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Amidu Raheem Tadese; former Osun Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; General Alani Akinrinade (rtd.); Prof. Olu Aina; Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Chief Tunde Badmus; SSA to the President on Protocol, Issah Niniola; former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola; Prince Tunde Ponle; Teleola Michael Oyegoke; traditional rulers; former state and national legislators; former cabinet members; political leaders; APC loyalists among others.