#Asanikeatitagain : Asanike Empowers NYSC Members with Poultry Initiative in Oyo State
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and philanthropist, Prince Kola Asatola Asanike, has launched an empowerment programme targeted at National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other vulnerable groups in Oyo State.
The initiative, which commenced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with a distribution ceremony at the NYSC State Secretariat, saw the first batch of beneficiaries comprising corps members receive day-old chicks and poultry feeds to support their economic well-being.
According to Prince Asanike, who was represented at the event by Mr. Ayo Esan, Mr. Sesan Laoye, and Dr. Olayode Thomas, the scheme is designed to benefit 100 individuals across Oyo State in phases. Each recipient will receive between 10 and 20 day-old chicks, depending on their capacity to care for them. Thirty of the available slots were specifically allocated to serving corps members.
“This initiative is my open-minded token as an article of faith in a better Nigeria. Youths remain the builders of our nation, and empowering them in practical ways will contribute to both their aspirations and the economic growth of our communities,”
Asanike said in a message delivered at the event.
The programme was formally flagged off by the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs. Oluwaseki Arionla Silvia, represented by Mr. Kayode Ola-Peters, Assistant Director of Community Development Service.
Mrs. Silvia, in her message, commended Prince Asanike for his foresight and generosity.
“This project is a rare encouragement for our corps members. It proves that society is willing to invest in their future beyond the one year of service. I urge the beneficiaries to embrace this opportunity with seriousness,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the donor, Dr. Olayode Thomas emphasised that the project was conceived to inspire self-reliance among young Nigerians.
“This is more than giving out chickens; it is about planting the seed of entrepreneurship. The corps members are expected to use this as a stepping stone into agribusiness,” he said.
Mr. Ayo Esan described the empowerment as a timely intervention.
“At a period when unemployment is biting hard, initiatives like this help our young people to think outside the box and create opportunities for themselves,” he noted.
Corps members who benefited from the programme expressed appreciation for the gesture. Adedeji Timothy, one of the recipients, said the scheme had given him a new perspective on life after service.
“I never thought I could venture into poultry farming, but this support has opened my eyes. I am determined to build on it and grow something sustainable,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Ojo Hannah, described the empowerment as a morale booster.
“It shows that people still believe in us and want us to succeed. This has given me hope that I can start something meaningful while serving my country,” she remarked.
The empowerment programme will continue in phases until all 100 targeted beneficiaries, comprising corps members and other vulnerable individuals in Oyo State are reached.
Also in attendance was Mrs. Rachael Afolabi, Assistant Director of Corps Inspection and Monitoring, alongside Asanike’s representatives.
