Hon. Kafilat Ogbara Collaborates With CTE Project Limited To Empower Young Constituents

The Lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Honourable Kafilat Ogbara, has collaborated with Co-Workshop and Tool Empowerment Initiative (CTE) to empower young people in her Constituency.

 

The Co-Workshop and Tool Empowerment Initiative (CTE), a pioneering project designed to transform the informal sector was officially launched today at 560 Ikorodu Road, Ketu, Lagos.

 

The initiative, founded by Olutayo Solarin, aims to revolutionize access to resources for artisans and small businesses across Nigeriad in a significant collaboration with Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the House of Representatives.

CTE seeks to provide equitable access to tools, equipped workspaces, and soft skill training, ensuring that artisans and entrepreneurs, particularly those in the informal sector, can thrive.

The initiative addresses the significant challenges faced by many artisans and small businesses in accessing the tools and workspaces needed for their operations, challenges further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the removal of fuel subsidies.

 

 

By leveraging technology, CTE is establishing a decentralized network of tool rental centers and purpose-built shared workshops (CTE Hubs) across all local government areas in Nigeria. The platform, consisting of web and mobile applications, offers seamless online and offline functionality. Users can easily register online or in person at the physical hubs to rent tools and reserve workspaces, paying a subsidized fee for infrastructure use. This shared rental model allows a single tool to empower multiple users, significantly reducing the cost burden on individuals.

The pilot program will launch in Kosofe, demonstrating the initiative’s effectiveness and scalability. The train-the-trainer model will begin by training 500 individuals within the constituency. Each trained individual will then train 20 more people, ultimately reaching a total of 10,000 trainees. These trainees will have access to a diverse range of tools and equipped workspaces at subsidized prices, with flexible payment options available.

 

CTE has forged strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Robert Bosch Tools, Sleek MakeUP, Mantrac CAT, and Total Tools. These partners will provide top-quality tools and resources, and Bosch Tools will offer free training to the first 500 applicants in tiling, woodworking, welding, and plumbing.

The initiative also focuses on empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields, ensuring that women, particularly those in the informal sector, have access to the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed.

Honorable Kafilat Ogbara’s collaboration with CTE underscores her commitment to youth empowerment in Kosofe Federal Constituency. Known for her dedication to delivering on promises, Ogbara’s involvement in this initiative reflects her vision of not just providing immediate assistance but equipping youth with the skills and tools needed for long-term self-sufficiency. “We are not just giving the youth fish, but empowering them to catch fish themselves,” Ogbara stated, highlighting her proactive approach to sustainable development.

 

 

CTE extends an invitation to other co-working hubs to integrate into its network, providing enhanced visibility and easier access for users to book and pay for available workstations online. This initiative seeks to eliminate the burden of tool ownership, promote cost-efficiency, and foster creativity, revolutionizing empowerment paradigms in Nigeria.

CTE is built on the belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to thrive. Founder Olutayo Solarin invites all stakeholders, community members, and potential partners to join this transformative journey.

 

“Together, we can unlock the potential of our skilled professionals and artisans, creating a brighter future for all,” Solarin said.