Empowering women, youth, key to national growth, says Oyetola

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has emphasized the pivotal role of empowering women and youth in fostering national growth and prosperity. He stated that this has been a fundamental aspect of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Oyetola made these remarks during the launch of the Titi Tomori-Ponle Foundation in Osogbo. He emphasized that women and youth are critical drivers of any country’s economy and are key to achieving sustainable development.

“The empowerment of our women and youth is essential for national growth and prosperity,” Oyetola stated.

“It is a core pillar of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Empowering our youth population will help unlock their potential and create a brighter future for the country, while empowering women will reduce poverty and vulnerability in society.”

He commended the Titi Tomori-Ponle Foundation for its initiatives aimed at inspiring the dreams of Nigerian youth, who constitute over half of the country’s population, and for supporting women as pillars of societal development.

He noted that even before its formal launch, the foundation had already begun impactful programs focused on education, skills development, and support for beneficiaries’ personal and professional growth.

In her remarks, the founder, Her Excellency, Otunba Grace Titilayo Tomori-Ponle, highlighted the foundation’s mission to liberate women and youth from the cycle of poverty and equip them with tools for productivity and prosperity.

“This initiative is established to empower our women and youth, freeing them from the shackles of abject poverty and ensuring they are properly engaged for productivity and prosperity,” she said.

Former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, also praised the foundation’s efforts, describing them as a benevolent act aimed at unlocking the untapped potential of women and youth across the state.