No fewer than 108 youths from Kwara State have benefited from the skills’ acquisition and empowerment programme of the  Mike Omotosho Foundation.

Speaking to journalists on Monday on the sideline of the weeklong skills’ acquisition and empowerment  programme at Omu-Aran, the founder of the foundation, Dr. Mike Omotosho, said it was imperative to invest more in poverty alleviation programmes.

He stated that no fewer than 1,000 people applied for the empowerment programme meant for 116 youths.

He added that 116 applicants were shortlisted, but 108 showed up at the programme which cost about N10m.

Omotosho said, "It is a pilot programme. Four local government areas - Isin, Ekiti, Irepodun and Oke-Ero - have benefited from the scheme.

"Once people are gainfully employed, it becomes a lot easier for them to begin to think of how to touch lives."

A former Director-General, National Directorate of Employment, Samuel Adelodun, commended the organiser.

Adelodun, who currently is the Owalobo of Obbo Aiyegunle, called for greater investment in community development, poverty alleviation and empowerment of the people.