Heart of Gold Empowerment Outreach bolsters 30 indigent’s economic status in Edo State

The Heart of Gold Empowerment Outreach has bolstered the economy of Idumu Ikhala community of Edo state, by giving productive skill empowerment to thirty indigent individuals.

Beneficiaries of the outreach’s 2025 empowerment edition, were equipped with basic working tools in Salon and Hairdressing, Dress-making and Fashion Design, Baking and Confectioneries, Grinding Machine Operations, Plumbing Works, Welding, Fabrication and Spray Painting.

In the words of the empowerment initiator Chief [Mrs.] Ehiagwina Joy Patrick, Erelu Yeyemeso of Ikoyi Ekiti, the initiative was targeted at promoting self-reliance, skills development and poverty reduction in Edo Central.

Chief Mrs. Patrick while declaring the programme, tagged “Empower to Bloom,” opened at Idumu Ikhala, Uromi, in a well-attended ceremony harped on the drive behind the empowerment scheme, citing that it is aimed at building individuals who had entrepreneurial potentials but lacked the needed support to thrive and turn it to sustainable livelihoods.

“The number of beneficiaries for this year’s edition had doubled from 15 in 2024 to 30 in 2025, despite prevailing economic challenges in the country.

“At about this time last year, fifteen carefully selected beneficiaries across gender, age and social status were empowered with critical support materials.

“The feedback from our monitoring team shows that our confidence in them was well placed, as many have begun to experience positive changes in their lives,” she said.

She explained that the success stories from the 2024 edition strengthened their resolve to scale up the initiative in 2025, thereby providing opportunities for more people to become economically productive and independent.

Chief Patrick further disclosed that while the maiden edition of the empowerment programme was limited to Idijie Community, the 2025 edition has been expanded to include Idumu Ikhala Community, which also played host to this year’s event.

She expressed optimism that, with sustained support, the initiative would gradually cover Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, and ultimately the entire Esan Land/Edo Central Senatorial District.

She noted that the empowerment items presented to beneficiaries were carefully selected to align with their chosen vocations, adding that each supported idea represents a “seed” which, when nurtured in an enabling environment, has the potential to grow into a viable means of livelihood.

“Every idea or dream is a seed. What we are doing today is providing the enabling environment for these seeds to bloom and see the light of the day,” she stated.

While describing the empowerment of 30 beneficiaries as a significant milestone, Chief Patrick acknowledged that the number still represents only a fraction of those in need.

She therefore made a passionate appeal to individuals, corporate organisations and government at all levels to partner with the Heart of Gold initiative in its quest to tackle poverty through sustainable empowerment rather than handouts.

She emphasized that empowering people with productive skills not only enables them to care for themselves but also positions them to contribute meaningfully to community development and to support others.

The Founder also took time to appreciate key stakeholders and supporters who contributed to the success of the programme.

She expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His guidance, as well as to her husband, Dr. Patrick Ejedawe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Heart of Gold Support and Care Initiative and a major driver of the initiative through the Patrick Ejedawe Empowerment Foundation.

Special appreciation was also extended to her parents, Sir and Lady Sunny Ehiagwina, the Lagos-based team members, the Home Committee responsible for beneficiary selection, and notable supporters for their financial and moral support.

At the climax of the event empowerment items were presented to beneficiaries amid goodwill messages, prayers and renewed calls for collective action to build economically resilient communities.

The Heart of Gold Support and Care Initiative continues to position itself as a grassroots-driven intervention focused on restoring hope, dignity and opportunity to individuals across Edo Central and beyond.