ýThe Rotary Club of Ibadan Pathfinder, on Monday, donated a brand-new sewing machine to a local tailor in need, as part of its economic empowerment initiative.
ýThe beneficiary, Mr. AbdulRaman Alao, popularly known as Tasere, had been working with a rented sewing machine for several years.
ýThe donation took place at Dugbe Market, Ibadan, where members of the club gathered to present the gift.
ýSpeaking at the event, the President of the club, Rotarian Mojibola Babalola, said the gesture was part of Rotary’s commitment to community service and economic development.
ý’Rotary is a humanitarian service organization with a presence in over 119 countries around the world. Before we give out any item, we usually carry out an assessment,’ Babalola explained. ‘Our immediate past president, Rotarian Femi Joseph, discovered that Mr. Alao had been using a borrowed sewing machine that was worn out and later retrieved by its owner. When we learned he could no longer work because of that, we decided to step in and empower him with a new machine.’
ýShe added that the donation coincided with Rotary’s Economic and Community Development Month, which focuses on initiatives that enhance livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
ý’Rotary digs wells we don’t drink from and plants trees we may never sit under,’ Babalola said. ‘This is the spirit of service that defines who we are. We encourage more people to join us in making a difference.’
ýShe also advised the beneficiary to make good use of the equipment and, in turn, give back to the community when he can.
ýIn his remarks, Mr. Alao expressed profound gratitude to the club, saying he would ‘forever be thankful’ to the Rotary Club of Ibadan Pathfinder for ‘putting bread on his table.’
ýThe immediate past president, Rotarian Femi Joseph, also urged Alao to maintain the machine properly and use it to build a sustainable means of livelihood.