Urges youth to embrace entrepreneurship
The last time he was in the news for good reason, it was in respect of his decision to go into yam farming in his country home of Ibogun in Ogun State and, which he harvested tubers upon tubers, this was after the Facebook had been set on fire, literally, as a result of the acres of land he acquired in Benue State for fruit farming (Mango).
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo whom many Nigerians love to vilify for his love for hard line letters against Nigerian presidents is in the news again; and this time round for good reason again.
Baba OBJ as he is fondly called by admirers news has on Saturday, opened a new clothing factory in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, amid pomp and ceremony.
The factory, located inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, is a collaborative venture initiated by hitherto UK based Abisade Adenubi with the Library.
Obasanjo said that after the initiative to establish the library, the execution of the factory was the initiative of Adenubi, which according to him was the greatest.
“After the initiative from me, the one who has taken it to greatest height is this young woman, Abisade, and the credit for where we are today should go to her.”
The former President, who was responding to questions from newsmen after unveiling “Heritage Apparel” said young entrepreneurs would need to learn from Adenubi’s dexterity.
“My advice for entrepreneurs is that they should come and learn from her and she will tell them the problems she encountered including the problem of convincing me to have what we have here today.”
Adenubi said that her decision to come to Nigeria after her experience in clothing and textile materials, which had seen her produce apparel from Europe to Asia, became imperative in order to contribute her quota to the industry.
“It is my firm belief that we should not be outsourcing our economic development. I think we have a responsibility to empower our local people to exploit their potential despite economic hardships.
“That is why we have decided to come over here and see what we can do to improve on our garment industry.”
Adenubi disclosed that her plan is to also work on the evolution of the local fabric (Adire) in the city.
She hinted that Heritage Apparel is handling the apparel needs of a major sporting event in Nigeria. She called for partnerships with schools, industrial organizations and others.
