ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — Tuesday, October 14, 2025, marked a moment of immense joy and accomplishment for ten proud members of the Tailoring Association of Nigeria (TAN), Ilaro branch, as each received a brand-new Two Lion Sewing Machine to support their craft.
The handover ceremony was held at the esteemed Recreation Club in Ilaro-Yewa, transforming the venue into a vibrant center of celebration, appreciation, and community spirit as beneficiaries and local leaders gathered to share in the occasion.
The event began with an opening prayer led by veteran broadcaster, Pa Wole Owoseni, and was heroically supported by Dr. Mukail Akinde, a grass root person who always strive to elevate his people given the smallest opportunities.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Akinde explained how he leveraged his connections with Mr. Gbenga Abiodun Eleduma, CEO of Gatplus Dynamics Resources Ltd., Abuja – the relationship he established through the Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), representing Ogun West at the current Senate of the National Assembly.
According to the Rector, it was through this collaboration that the empowerment initiative became a reality for ten un-predetermined tailors in Ilaro.
“During one of my visits to Abuja(Dr. Akinde Mukail), I met Mr. Gbenga Eleduma through Senator Adeola(YAYI) in the course of our discussions, I learnt that his company, through the Federal Government(FG), was running an empowerment programme. I immediately used that opportunity and privilege to request for sewing machines for some vulnerable tailors in Ilaro-Yewa”, Dr. Akinde revealed.
He added that his personal findings in recent months revealed that many professional tailors in the community lacked efficient machines that could enhance productivity and service delivery.
“I used the little opportunity that I have through Senator Adeola YAYI to put smiles on the faces of grassroots people in Ilaro-Yewa and environs”, he said, expressing appreciation to both Senator YAYi and Mr. Eleduma for their cooperations.
He, however, urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the equipment to encourage more donors to extend similar gestures in the future.
Speaking via telephone from Abuja, Mr. Genoa Abiodun Eleduma, CEO of Gatplus Dynamics Resources Ltd., congratulated the beneficiaries, explaining that the presentation was part of the Federal Government’s Training and Empowerment Programme for Fashion Designers and Tailoring Professionals, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The initiative was suggested by Dr. Akinde, whom I met through Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi. I must commend Dr. Akinde for remembering his people at such an opportunity.
“He who thinks of others’ progress shall also enjoy abundant blessings from God”, he said, praising Dr. Akinde’s love for community development”, Eleduma noted.
Eleduma urged the beneficiaries to use the sewing machines to boost their businesses and strengthen their livelihoods, emphasizing that the success of this phase could encourage the government to do more.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Chairman of the Tailoring Association of Nigeria (TAN), Chief Sebil Amoo Hamed, commended Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi for the numerous constituency projects and empowerment initiatives ongoing across Ogun West.
He noted that the sewing machine distribution was another example of Yayi’s commitment to grassroots upliftment.
One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Azeez Agboola, who spoke on behalf of Chief Sebil Hamed, expressed appreciation for the transparent selection and fair distribution of the sewing machines.
“The process was very transparent, and the Two Lion brand machines are of high quality. They will go a long way to boost our businesses because many of us have longed to own machines of this standard”, Agboola said.
He thanked Presiden Tinubu, Senator Adeola Yayi, Mr. Eleduma, and Dr. Akinde for facilitating the gesture and assured that the association would monitor the proper use of the machines to ensure accountability.
“We pray that God will bless and guide President Tinubu, Senator Yayi, Dr. Akinde, and Mr. Eleduma for their generosity”, he added.
Mr. Kayode Salako, President of the Recreation Club, Ilaro (RCI), also lauded Dr. Akinde for his magnanimity and community spirit.
He expressed gratitude to Mr. Eleduma, describing him as “a Delta-born philanthropist with a large heart for humanity.”
“Not everyone thinks the way he does. I urge beneficiaries not to sell these machines but to use them meaningfully so that future empowerment will continue.”
Salako prayed that God would continue to strengthen the partnership among Eleduma, Senator Adeola Yayi, and Dr. Akinde for greater good.
A prominent APC leader in Yewa South, Alhaji (Hon ) Otunba Adetunji Idowu (Akara), also commended Dr. Akinde for remembering his people through this act of kindness.
He warned against selfishness in such opportunities and appreciated Mr. Eleduma for extending love to Ilaro through Senator Adeola Yayi, whom he described as “a true son of Yewa and the Okanlomo of Yewaland.”
“I urge all residents of Yewa South and beyond to obtain their Voter’s Cards so that we can make our voices count and support our distinguished Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the next Governor of Ogun State come 2027, Insha Allah.”
Otunba Tunji Idowu prayed for divine strength, wisdom, and long life for Senator Yayi.
Speaking on behalf of all recipients, Mr. AbdulWasiu Akorede Balogun (Zenith), expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, Dr. Mukail Akinde, and Mr. Gbenga Eleduma for their generosity.
“This empowerment came at a perfect time – just before the Oronna Ilaro Festival and Christmas, when tailors are at their busiest. We promise to make the best use of these machines”, he stated.
Zenith as he is fondly called thanked the facilitators and donors for their compassion and prayed for divine blessings upon them.
The event concluded with prayers led by Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of StarTrend Int’l Magazine.
He prayed for divine guidance for President Tinubu, Senator Yayi, Mr. Eleduma, and Dr. Akinde, asking God to bless all their endeavours.
Beneficiaries of the empowerment were Chief Sebil Hamed, Mr. Azeez Oluwasina Agboola, Mr. Akinwunmi Mufutau Ayinde, Mr. Edun Yahaya Alani, Ajuwon Kayode Hamed, Adebanjo Dorcas Opeyemi, AbdulWasiu Akande Balogun (Zenith), Daniel Olufemi Ajibode, Adebola Yetunde Abigail and Ajayi Alice Adejumoke.
The presentation, held at the Recreation Clubhouse, Ilaro, was attended by the Ogun State Chairman of TAN, members of the Recreation Club of Ilaro and beneficiaries. They included Dr. J.O. Omowunmi (Dean, Student Affairs); Mr. O.O. Ojo (Deputy Registrar, Council Matters); Mr. E.O. Bankole (PA to the Rector); Dr. A.A. Taiwo (ASUP Chairman, FPI Chapter); Dr. I.A. Ilesanmi (Sub-Dean II, DSA); Mr. Seun Salako (Sub-Dean III, DSA); and Mrs. Ann Olorunfemi (Public Relations Unit), who anchored the programme with her signature velvet tone.
