The Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buari, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, says the community is embarking on Empowerment Scheme to reduce unemployment and unskilled human capital by at least 50 per cent.
Buari, who is the 17th monarch of Omupo, disclosed this while delivering his speech during the 10th years anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
“The pilot scheme, which will take off in August 2020 and will be restricted to indigenes resident in Omupo after which those resident outside will subsequently be considered.
“This is why the plan coming up within the next two months is Olomu of Omupo Empowerment Scheme, consisting of Economic and Social Emancipation, Development of the people and Community,” he said.
He noted that this will reduce unskilled human capital in the community by at least 50 per cent within the first year of its operation.
He added that it will also reduce the number of unemployed youths by at least 50 per cent and improve the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Artisans by at least 65 per cent in the first year of its operation, among others.
Speaking further, the traditional leader pledged to continue developing his community and ensure partnership with the Kwara Government.
He observed that since his ascension to the throne 10 years ago, there have been “geometrical leap in development and growth through the cooperation of the citizenry and the understanding of the Kwara State Government.
“Within the last ten years we have put in place a National Body that has transformed our developmental efforts to be more focused and single directional,” he said.
The royal father explained that prior to the last 10 years, Omupo has erroneously, acquired the tag of ”Anti-Government” in government circle and this has denied the community, government patronage in terms of political appointments and access to the State’s Social and Economic Community Development Programme.
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He added that conscious efforts were made to embark on visible constructive collaboration to demonstrate our unalloyed loyalty.
According to him, such efforts has ensured that for the first time in the political history of Kwara, indigene of Omupo were appointed Commissioner and member of the State Executive Council.
“We gained access to the Kwara State/World Bank Social and Community Development Programme, which has eluded us in the past.
“Through the programme we were able to resuscitate the moribund Omupo Water Scheme and we extended the Maternity Wing of our Cottage Hospital,” said Buari.
He explained that the health facilities in the community was expanded and physician and other health workers are fully manning the facility.
Buari observed that among other achievements is the establishment of interreligious harmony in the community, through the creation of the National Omupo Development Association.
He said one immediate action taken was the establishment of Inter-Religion Committee, whose first task was to look into the fragile peace that was existing among the religious bodies.
“This is on the understanding that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of disharmony and rancour,” he said.
He noted that there is also development in education, as computers were deployed to schools in the town and various vocational computer schools were established.
Oba Buari commended the efforts of the citizenry of the community, those in diaspora and the Omupo Descendant Union for their efforts in bringing various development and assistance to Omupo.
