Titi Tomori-Ponnle Foundation Launched With A Focus On Youth Empowerment, Gender Equality

The wife of the former governor of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, has challenged Nigerians to address the country’s glaring gender inequality and prioritize youth empowerment for national progress.

Speaking at the launch of the Titi Tomori-Ponnle Foundation at the Oyinlola Auditorium, Osun State University, Osogbo, she lamented Nigeria’s ranking of 130 out of 146 countries in gender equality, describing it as a wake-up call.

She stressed the need for societal reforms, particularly among the Yoruba people, to build a society that values women’s contributions.

“We need a new set of values as Nigerians and as Yoruba people. Women in every community understand the value of work, but progress cannot be achieved without their full participation. Men must rise to the challenge of being responsible, God-fearing providers,” Adeleye-Fayemi said.

She also highlighted the high infant mortality rate among Nigerian women, urging stakeholders to create enabling environments to battle gender inequality and improve maternal health.

Otunba Titi Tomori-Ponnle, in her speech, expressed gratitude for the support and shared her vision for the foundation. She revealed that the foundation was born out of her passion for empowering youths and women to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

“This foundation represents a new dawn of opportunities. We are committed to providing scholarships, vocational training, and microloans to equip beneficiaries with skills for sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

Tomori-Ponnle announced a partnership with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where beneficiaries would undergo a three-month intensive training program in entrepreneurial skills.

Chief Bisi Akande, the chairman of the occasion, commended the foundation’s mission to tackle unemployment and ignorance through skill acquisition programs.

He urged stakeholders to support the initiative, emphasizing that its success would benefit the entire society.

“For the foundation to stand the test of time, all efforts must be spared toward its sustenance. This is not about politics; it is about humanity,” Akande said.

Akande lauded the foundation’s vision of empowering women and youths through skill acquisition, noting that such initiatives could help tackle societal challenges and foster development.

Former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola described the empowerment of women and youths as critical to national growth. He praised Titi Tomori-Ponnle for her dedication to helping the less privileged, especially women and girls, through sustainable initiatives.

“Empowering the youth population will unlock their potential, fostering growth and innovation. Titi Tomori-Ponnle has consistently demonstrated her commitment to improving lives, especially for women and girls,” Oyetola said.

He further pledged his support for the foundation, describing it as a valuable platform for addressing socio-economic challenges.