Osun Partners UNDP, Norwegian Govt, Trains, Empowers 200 Victims Of Violence

As part of measures to improve security framework, Osun State Government has partnered the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Norwegian government to launch a crisis Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS) and EWERS Situation Room.

The partnership also birthed the training and empowermemt of 200 victims of violence in the State.

CityMirrorNews reports that the beneficiaries were trained on hairdressing, shoemaking, bricklaying, fashion designing, electrical work, phone repair, electrical installation, fabrication and welding, computer science, catering and decoration among others.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony and distribution of starter packs to the trained victims of violence and the launching of crisis Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS), funded by the United Nations Developmemt Programme (UNDP), the Norwegian government and the government of Osun State, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola described the partnership as a invaluable step towards consolidating on the increasing gains Osun has recorded in its efforts at ensuring a peaceful, productive and enabling state for lives and businesses of citizens to thrive.

Oyetola, who expressed profound appreciation to UNDP and the Norwegian government for their thoughtfulness and for the kind consideration of Osun State as a host of the project, registered his assurance that the project will complement his administration’s efforts at improving security of lives and properties.

Oyetola, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi, said: “The Early Warning and Early Response project was designed to collaborate and strengthen the security framework in and around the State and further facilitate attainment of sustainable peace and stability in the State. On behalf of the good people of Osun, I say a big thank you to our partners for these worthwhile interventions.

“Crisis Early Warning and Early Response System and Situation Room is a welcome addition to our Emergency 293 Short-Code Call System through which citizens report emergency cases. This System has helped, in no small measure, in keeping at bay, potential crises situations and ultimately helped us in coordinating and responding to diverse emergency needs.

“The aspirations and objectives of our Development Plan are aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth with full and productive employment that ensures high standard of living for all residents of the State.

“They are also aimed at achieving diversified and enhanced revenue base by providing enabling business environment which will attract and retain investors and expand existing businesses, all in a secured environment.

“Our government is also determined to achieve world-class infrastructure system that attracts investors, facilitates economic growth and supports the State’s priority needs. In the last three years, we have demonstrated unreserved commitment to these goals, deploying relevant strategies, and reaching out to critical stakeholders and Development Partners”, he said.

Oyetola, who also described the empowerment programme as a worthy addition to his administration’s resolve to empower women and youths, charged the beneficiaries of make judicious use of the starter packs so as to project the impact of the programme.

He continued: “I am using this opportunity to appeal to the beneficiaries of these Starter Packs to handle these valuable equipment with utmost care and make judicious use of them.

“I cannot conclude without expressing our gratitude for the support provided by the UNDP for the 200 victims of violence and for equipping them with the requisite starter packs.

“Their graduation today is a worthy addition to the resolve of our government to empower women and the youths in our sustained effort to make them productive and self-sustaining as we strive to achieve our sustainable development and governance drives.

“I urge the beneficiaries to make the best use of the gesture to add value to their lives, their families and development of our State”, he added.

The Norwegian Trade Councillor, Mr Hans Peter Christopherson, in his remark, described the programme as a crisis aversion and peace building mechanism aimed at attacking a problem from different angles.

“We are empowering victims of violence as a form of reintegration strategy, while also launching a system that helps address security issues, which is not a Nigerian problem but a world problem. We are glad that youths are critical beneficiaries of this programme”, he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Matthew Alao, UNDP Governance, Peace and Security Team Lead, in describing the importance of the interventions said: “The EWERS will provide early
warning signals that can be acted upon by the government to strengthen the State’s peace and security while the empowerment of the 200 beneficiaries will build community resilience to violence and promote peaceful coexistence”.

In his welcome remark, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Olalekan Yinusa, stated that the beneficiaries were carefully selected through the World Bank accredited social register which had the list of different categories of vulnerable citizens.

He added that the training and empowerment covered 12 trades, including tailoring, hairdressing, bricklaying, electrical installations, welding and fabrication, carpentry and woodwork, plumbing, leather work and shoemaking, catering and decoration, soap making, computer and mobile phone repair.

While encouraging the beneficiaries on the need to make judicious use of the equipments given to them, Executive Secretary, Technical Education Board,
Engr. Abayomi Omigbodun, commended the governor for giving priority to the development of the youths of the state.

Engr Omigbodun while fielding questions from journalists said the Empowerment Programme would definitely assist the beneficiaries and make them to be self reliant.

Some of the graduands who received their certificates in shoemaking, hairdressing and others appreciated the state governor , Gboyega Oyetola for counting them worthy of benefiting from the Empowerment Programme.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Adepoju Abiodun described the Programme as laudable one.

Abiodun said: “We appreciate the effort of our amiable Governor, HE Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola in ensuring that problem of unemployment is reduced to the bearing minimum in the state. We give kudos to UNDP and we thank God for His guidance throughout the training. There had been no loss. It is indeed a fulfilment of dreams. We do not take this gesture for granted. We are like Oliver Twist who ask for more.

I will like to advice my co-graduands not to misuse this opportunity.” He said.

CityMirrorNews reports that the training ran through a span of 6 months, starting with a two weeks orientation programme to help victims get over the trauma of violence having been trained by professionals in psychology.