Rotary E-Club of Maryland lifts 52 with N10m vocational tools
AS part of its empowerment scheme, Rotary E-Club of Maryland, Ikeja has given machines and other items worth N10million to 52 people. The programme is the club’s flagship star project,
- By Joseph Eshanokpe
AS part of its empowerment scheme, Rotary E-Club of Maryland, Ikeja has given machines and other items worth N10million to 52 people.
The programme is the club’s flagship star project, conceived by the club President, Rotarian JoyceMary Seyi-Idowu, to reduce unemployment and tackle other economic challenges.
As an E-Club in Rotary International District 9111, the Past District 9110 Governor, Omotunde Lawson, said the club received 89 applications, out of which 52 beneficiaries were selected.
She further said the club provided essential vocational tools, including 26 sewing machines, 10 grinding machines, nine hairdryers, five vulcanising machines, one industrial gas cooker with a 12.5 kg cylinder, and one welding machine to the beneficiaries.
According to her, the initiative was aimed at equipping entrepreneurs and artisans with the tools they need for self-reliance and sustainability.
She noted that the club also extended the gesture to non-administrative staff members of the district to ply their vocational trades.
District 9111 Governor, Rotarian Prince Henry Akinyele's representative, District Governor-Elect, Rotarian Bukola Bakare, commended the leadership of the club for extending its impact across the clubs in the district, describing it as a reflection of Rotary’s commitment to service and “Service Above Self.”
She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment to ensure their sustainability.
Past Assistant Governor, Ezenne Obiora, applauded the club's president for organising a laudable initiative targeted at boosting growth.
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She also urged beneficiaries to use the machines effectively to expand their businesses, adding that they hoped to extend similar gestures to others in their communities.
Obiora advised beneficiaries to spread awareness about Rotary, noting that more opportunities would be available in the future.
Three non-administrative staff members include Fadeke Esther, Facility Maintenance Officer; Akorede Mopelola of the District Canteen; and Fatima Damilola Quadri, District 9111 Radio OAP.
A beneficiary, Amehfuna Precious, a hairstylist from OPIC, praised the club for the gesture. “I still can’t believe I own a hairdryer. I am very, very happy. Thank you, Rotary E-Club of Maryland,” she said.
Mrs. Maduka Chikodi, a widow from Anambra State, added: “I applied immediately because I cook in large quantities and have needed this for a long time. Thank you, Rotary. God bless you all."
Daniel Taiwo Oluwaseun from Abeokuta described the support as a turning point in his life. Having completed his apprenticeship in vulcanising, he now has the tools for self-employment. “This will help me provide for my family. God bless everyone in Rotary who made this possible,” he said.
A food processor from Ado-Odo Ota, Hassan Adesola, also expressed gratitude for receiving a grinding machine.
Quadri, who spoke on behalf of the Rotary staff beneficiaries, praised PDG Lawson, the president, Seyi-Idowu, and members of the club for their compassion and dedication to humanity.
“As a beneficiary myself, this initiative is more than empowerment—it is a lifeline and a renewed opportunity. My heart is filled with gratitude,” she said.
