Ojaja Dynasty Empowers Youths With Working Tools & Cash Grants In Ile-Ife

The Ojaja Orayigba Royal Ruling Dynasty in Ile-Ife has empowered 11 youths from the ruling house with a combination of working tools, cash grants, and farm animals in a bid to promote skill acquisition and economic self-reliance.

The initiative, now in its third edition, was held recently in the historic city and is part of the dynasty’s ongoing youth development programmes.

According to a statement released on Thursday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the empowerment programme aims to equip young people with the tools and resources necessary to practice their trades effectively and create sustainable livelihoods.

“This initiative is designed to nurture talents within the Ojaja Dynasty and provide practical support to youths striving to excel in their chosen vocations,” the statement said.

During the event, beneficiaries received a wide range of tools and equipment tailored to their respective trades, including generators, cameras, hairdressing equipment, grinding machines, and other essential working materials. Food items were also provided to support small-scale businesses and trade practices.

In a unique addition to the empowerment package, certain beneficiaries who received deep freezers were given an extra cash grant of ₦50,000 to help them maintain and operate the equipment effectively. This financial support was intended to ensure that recipients could fully benefit from the tools and start generating income immediately.

Furthermore, the programme extended beyond conventional trade tools to include farm support for youths specialising in agriculture. Selected beneficiaries received goats and pigs to bolster their farming activities and expand their agro-based enterprises. This demonstrates the dynasty’s commitment to supporting diverse skills and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship among the youth.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ojaja Youth Empowerment Committee, Prince Adesoji Ogunwusi, expressed his appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife for endorsing and sponsoring the programme.

He highlighted the importance of equipping young people with both skills and resources to succeed. “This programme is not only about giving tools; it is about creating opportunities and encouraging our youths to master their trades and achieve financial independence,” he said.

Prince Adesoji explained that beneficiaries were carefully selected based on strict criteria, which included attendance at Ojaja youth meetings, demonstrated knowledge and mastery of their work, and successful screening by the empowerment committee.

“These criteria ensure that only committed and skilled youths receive support, thereby maximizing the impact of the programme,” he added.

The Secretary of the Ojaja Youth Empowerment Committee, Prince Ogunwusi Adedapo Kolawole, further emphasised that the programme seeks to bridge the gap between skill acquisition and practical application.

“Many young people have learnt valuable skills but lack the resources to put their knowledge into practice. By providing tools, cash, and farm animals, we give them the means to start or expand their businesses,” he noted.

Adding words of encouragement, Prince Timothy Asemakinwa, Secretary of the Giesi Ruling House, stressed the wider significance of the empowerment programme. He explained that it serves as both a motivational platform for the youth and a medium for communicating their needs to community leaders.

“This initiative inspires the youths to dedicate themselves to mastering their trades and also signals to our leaders the kind of support required for young people to succeed,” he said.

The beneficiaries, who received both trade equipment and financial assistance, expressed gratitude to the Ojaja Dynasty for the initiative, describing it as a critical step towards achieving independence and building their businesses. Many stated that the support would enable them to apply their skills effectively and create sustainable income streams.

This third edition of the Ojaja Dynasty Youth Empowerment Programme reinforces the dynasty’s commitment to fostering youth development, economic empowerment, and skill mastery. By combining tools, cash grants, and farm support, the initiative addresses both the technical and financial needs of young people, ensuring that they are equipped to thrive in their chosen professions.