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Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, also known as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, has inaugurated the Association of Female Skilled Artisans Initiative Canada (AOFSAIC) at the Salvation Army Shelter in Brampton, Ontario, as part of efforts to promote economic independence among African women globally.
Shona-Aluko, an educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, said the Canadian branch was established to expand her long-standing efforts at empowering women through vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
According to her, the initiative is designed to equip women with practical skills such as tailoring, hairdressing and crafts, enabling them to attain financial stability and self-reliance.
She explained that the association is already active in Nigeria, with branches spread across major cities, adding that the establishment of a Canadian chapter, particularly in Brampton, which is home to over 12,000 Nigerian immigrants, would create more opportunities for women seeking self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial growth.
Shona-Aluko further noted that the expansion into Canada aligns with Nigeria’s growing shift from conventional employment to a skills-based economy driven largely by entrepreneurship among immigrants and small business owners.
Speaking at the event, HRH Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, highlighted the role of artisans in economic development, describing them as critical contributors to the informal sector and national growth.
“Artisans are the backbone of a thriving economy, and their contributions to the informal sector are essential for national development,” he said.
He added that initiatives focused on empowering women would not only strengthen their voices in society but also encourage inclusive economic growth.
Dignitaries present at the launch included Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, Chief Victor Alonge, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, Queen Esther Ejim, Chief Jumoke Abegunde, among others.
Shona-Aluko attended Queen Elizabeth School in Ilorin for her secondary education before proceeding to the Federal College of Education in Kano State. She later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education Management from Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University.
She began her career in Nigeria’s education sector, mentoring students who have gone on to occupy leadership positions in various institutions.
Her organisation also collaborates with government agencies, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), supplying learning and play materials to schools across the country.
Over the years, she has received several recognitions from organisations such as the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Security Watch Africa for her contributions to education and community development.
She has also been honoured with chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorates in recognition of her humanitarian and educational interventions.
Beyond her professional engagements, Shona-Aluko supports aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship, scholarships and community-based projects. She has continued to advocate for women, youths and other vulnerable groups, while championing women’s advancement in Nigeria.
In 2023, she was appointed National Matron of the Association of Female Artisans in Nigeria, further underscoring her commitment to women empowerment and discipline.
