FG empowers 700 Oyo youths with vocational skills, equipment

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Federal Government has empowered 700 youths in Oyo State with vocational skills, digital devices and business equipment under its National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), as part of efforts to lift five million Nigerians out of poverty over the next four years.

The beneficiaries graduated on Friday at the Kensington Adebutu Hall, University of Ibadan, following a 10-day intensive training programme organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), Dr. Abiola Arogundade.

Speaking at the ceremony, Arogundade said the initiative reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing poverty through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic opportunities rather than dependence on handouts. She stressed the importance of equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and tools to build sustainable livelihoods.

Arogundade disclosed that 30 participants received specialised training in artificial intelligence and graphics design, while 85 were trained in makeup artistry and another 85 in fashion design. She added that 500 beneficiaries received digital devices to support their participation in the growing digital economy, while graduates were provided with relevant business equipment to help them apply their newly acquired skills.

Urging the beneficiaries to use the equipment productively, Arogundade encouraged them to establish businesses, create jobs and share their knowledge with others in their communities. She said the programme was designed to generate a multiplier effect by enabling beneficiaries to expand their skills, train others and contribute to local economic development.

Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the Federal Government for the intervention during a courtesy visit by Arogundade and her delegation to his palace ahead of the graduation ceremony. The monarch described the initiative as a positive step towards tackling poverty and youth unemployment, while praising Arogundade and urging other public officials to emulate her efforts.

Similarly, resource persons highlighted the economic opportunities available through vocational and digital skills. The keynote speaker, Mrs. Oluronke Shonubi, said artificial intelligence training could prepare young Nigerians for emerging opportunities, while makeup artistry instructor Rukayat Muhammad urged participants to improve their expertise and market their services effectively.

Following the Oyo exercise, which came after an initial pilot phase in Abuja, Arogundade announced plans to extend the programme to other geopolitical zones, with each phase targeting 1,200 participants through vocational training tailored to regional needs. The graduation ceremony attracted political leaders and other stakeholders, including Oyo APC governorship candidate Senator Alli Sharafadeen Abiodun and Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde.