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Nigeria’s current economic situation continues to place severe pressure on its citizens, particularly in underserved communities. Rising inflation and unemployment have left many, especially youths and artisans, without stable means of income, driving some toward crime as a desperate measure. This has highlighted the urgent need for community-driven initiatives that foster self-reliance and economic growth.
In response to this, the Baasorun Olaniran Olalekan Musiliudeen Foundation (BOOM) launched a community-based empowerment program. On Friday, September 6, the foundation held a free vocational training at Giwa Oke Aro/Yewande Community Town Hall in Ogun State. Funded by the BOOM Foundation, this initiative aimed to provide practical skills that could immediately impact participants’ financial independence and reduce crime rates.
Baasorun Olaniran Olalekan Musiliudeen, the foundation’s founder, explained that the program was motivated by the need to alleviate the economic strain on the community, particularly among artisans and youths. According to him, empowering people with skills reduces their dependence on political handouts and minimizes their vulnerability to crime.
In his address, Baasorun noted, “I believe that focusing on empowerment can relieve the pressure on people, especially youths and artisans. It provides them with alternatives to avoid engaging in criminal activities.”
The program taught participants how to create products like detergent soap, liquid multipurpose soap, and organic balm—skills intended to provide them with an opportunity to start small-scale businesses.
Sowole Mojilade, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her appreciation: “I knew how to make liquid soap before, but I didn’t know the difference between the one for washing clothes and the one for dishes. Today, I learned that difference, and by tomorrow, I will start making small quantities to sell.”
The Ifo Zonal CDC Women Rep, Bankole Islmiat Olaitan, said, “BOOM Foundation continues for life. I will start producing liquid soap immediately and sell it to different people to increase my income.”
Comrade Olagundoye Ayodeji, ACDC Youth Representative for Oke-Aro, praised the foundation’s efforts, noting that the training had opened his eyes to new ways to improve his income. He also looked forward to more programs from BOOM.
The session was facilitated by Comrade Olusoji Olowu, one of the foundation’s stakeholders. He commended the foundation’s founder for sponsoring the program and emphasized the long-term importance of such initiatives for empowering the community. Olowu said this kind of training offers a lasting impact on the participants and the community, helping them become self-reliant and reduce crime.
Through these efforts, the BOOM Foundation is fostering a culture of empowerment and growth, offering skills that enhance financial independence and reduce economic pressure. As the foundation continues its work, its impact on crime reduction and community development becomes even more evident.
