By Editor
For Idris Ajetomibi, it was double portion of uncommon favour from Governor Biodun Oyebanji as his hope of becoming a freed apprentice from his former master came alive on Wednesday with the presentation of N250, 000 to help him secure freedom from his former boss and obviously setting up his own barbing salon.
Idris was one of the over 100 barbers drawn from different Local Governments in the state who were given free working tools to help establish their trade last week .
The empowerment program, which was organised by the Governor through the office of Community Communications last week was the first batch of emporwement extended to artisans and small scale enterprises in Ekiti State.
However the plight of 17 year-old Idris caught the attention of the DG, Office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso who asked the boy where his shop was located while presentating the brand new clipper and apron to him.
It was then discovered that the young man had graduated but he couldn’t raise money for his freedom from his master as his parents were unable to raise the huge some of N250,000.
The Governor’s aide then pledged to table Idris matter to the Governor announcing that the Governor would offset the bill.
During the presentation of the cash gift yesterday, the DG emphasized Governor Oyebanji’s avowed commitment to create wealth and get every Ekiti person to have a means of income for his agenda of shared prosperity to be meaningful.
She pointed out that the discovery of Idris plight was made possible through the engagement with groups of artisans and business owners who made themselves available adding that the Governor placed high premium on the collective good of all and sundry.
At separate interviews, the Chairman Ekiti State Barbers Association Mr. Kolawole Olasehinde was full of praises for Governor Oyebanji describing him as God sent.
“I’m yet to believe that a Governor can be so caring and considerate like Governor BAO. Just last week more than 100 members of my Association collected new clippers and aprons to boost their job and today, another boy who has lost hope of doing his freedom is now being supported by the Governor to be a free man. On behalf of all members of my Association I pray for more progress and greater heights for our amiable Governor”
Speaking in similar vein, the father of the beneficiary, Mr Ajetomibi Lateef expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for the kind gesture saying that the Governor has removed shame from his life;
“Words cannot express my gratitude to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for coming to my aide by helping my son to pay for his freedom fee. I sent him to learn this job after he finished school cert because I couldn’t afford to sponsor him for higher education as a result of financial constraints” he said.
He however, prayed for the success of Governor Oyebanji’s administration saying that Ekiti people will rally round him if he declared interest to run for second term.
Idris, who was overwhelmed by the surprise package from Mr Governor expressed joy and lauded the DG for bringing him to the limelight.
