On 19 December 2025, an inspiring day unfolded for young artisans and individuals with disabilities across Osun State, Nigeria. The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), in partnership with the Absolute Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI) in Abuja, hosted a year-end celebration for nearly one hundred underserved individuals. The event, held at the Royal Spring Hotel, Ota Efun Road, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, featured capacity-building activities, food distribution (including a pack of raw rice, biscuits, and soft drinks), and the recognition of four exceptional creative individuals with disabilities, who were supported with a slight financial boost for their work. There was musical entertainment filled with praise among participants.
Attendees included the YEDIS team and young women small business owners, such as fashion designers, hairstylists, petty traders, and smallholder farmers. Mr Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, founder and Executive Director of YEDIS, coordinated the year-end celebration and facilitated training on entrepreneurship and skills development.
Olaore highlighted the successful accomplishments of the programme through financial support from AWEI, under the leadership of Mrs Oluseye Olutimayin and the YEDIS Management team, which included Mrs Sakirat Lawal (YEDIS Advisory Board Chairperson), Mr Patrick Ilori (Diaspora Coordinator), and Miss Vivian Anokwute (Partnership Manager), alongside MUBAK Boutiques and Olaseffy Variety Stores in Osogbo.
People with disabilities, led by Mr Komolafe Adeniyi Sunday (who has a paralysed leg), a shoemaker, expressed gratitude to YEDIS and AWEI for their financial support. He commended both organisations for valuing them and offering assistance despite their physical challenges. Other recognised physically challenged individuals include Mrs Nafiu Tawakalitu Oluwatoyin (blind), a batik designer; Mrs Abdulwaheed Ramotollahi Ikeoluwa (who has leg and back issues), a leather bag maker; and Mr Adewuyi Joshua Omotosho (paralysed leg), a phone repairer.
Capacity-building training was conducted by Mr Baruwa Mohammed Issa, a procurement expert, who delivered a session on ‘Anti-Corruption and Procurement Fraud Prevention in Business Management.’ Mr Opeyemi Adeoye discussed ‘Application of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology for Business Growth.’ Miss Kabirah Olaore presented on ‘Effects of Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Early Warning Systems for Business Management.’ Additionally, Mrs Mary Adebayo Funmilayo spoke on ‘Waste Management and Circular Economy for Meaningful Job Creation.’
Other guests at the event included Traders Coordinators, Mrs Olaoye Grace and Mrs Olatunji Bukola, as well as YEDIS youth zonal coordinators, Mr Taiwo Oladele Abdulwasiu, Miss Nafisat Bankole, and other members such as Mrs Oyeniyi Oluwakemi, Mr Odediran Sesan, Mrs Ayeni Dunmade, Miss Waliya Oyerinde, Mrs Bukola Azeez, Mr Ojo Sunday, Mr Lawal Isiaq, and Mr Lawal Abdulquadri. The event also welcomed YEDIS’ top fan, Mr Oguntoye Adeyemi, and a stakeholder, Mr Agbabiaka Ismaila, who blessed the occasion.Â
