In a thought-provoking address that resonated with many attendees, Hon. Abdrafiu Adekunle stirred conversation by likening the life of a salary earner to being in prison.
He made this assertion during an empowerment program organized by Hope Never Dies, a community initiative led by Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, the Majority Leader of Saki West Local Government.
The program, held to empower individuals through skills acquisition and entrepreneurial training, brought together community leaders, beneficiaries, and stakeholders committed to fostering self-reliance and financial independence among citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Abdrafiu Adekunle highlighted the limitations inherent in traditional salaried employment. He argued that while salary-based jobs provide stability, they often restrict personal freedom, creativity, and the pursuit of broader economic opportunities.
“Being a salary earner is like being in prison, you’re confined to a fixed income, with little to no flexibility to explore opportunities outside the boundaries set by your employer. True financial freedom lies in entrepreneurship, where you are not just working to survive but creating wealth and opportunities for others.”
Hon. Adekunle emphasized the importance of financial autonomy in today’s challenging economic landscape, advocating for individuals to embrace entrepreneurship as a path toward empowerment.
The Hope Never Dies initiative, spearheaded by Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, was established to address the growing need for economic independence in the Saki West community. The program provides vocational training, access to resources, and mentorship opportunities aimed at equipping participants with the tools needed to start and sustain their own businesses.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo stressed the urgency of reducing reliance on salaried employment. “Our goal is to empower our people to take control of their economic futures. With the skills and support provided through this program, we are giving them the opportunity to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to the development of Saki West,” he stated.
Hon. Adekunle’s analogy of salaried work as imprisonment sparked a broader discussion about the challenges faced by employees in Nigeria and beyond. These include stagnant wages, limited career progression, and a lack of financial security.
He urged the audience to rethink conventional approaches to work and consider the benefits of entrepreneurial ventures.
“Entrepreneurship allows for limitless possibilities. It is not without its risks, but the rewards far outweigh the constraints of a salaried life. It is through risk-taking and innovation that we can create a society of financially independent individuals,” he added.
The empowerment program saw a large turnout, with participants receiving training in various fields of agriculture. Some participants also received equipment to kick-start their ventures.
One of the beneficiaries, AbdRahman Quabid Aderemi, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“This program has changed my perspective on what is possible. I now have the skills and confidence to start my own business and contribute to my family’s income,” he said.
Another participant, Aweda Wasiu Oluwatoyosi, praised the organizers for their forward-thinking initiative.
“The tools and resources provided here are exactly what our community needs. This is not just empowerment; it’s a lifeline for many of us,” he remarked.
The program concluded with a commitment from the organizers to continue supporting beneficiaries and expanding the initiative to reach more individuals in need. As Hon. Adekunle aptly stated, “This is just the beginning. True empowerment comes when individuals take the tools given to them and build something that not only transforms their lives but also the lives of those around them.”
