Tag: Odi-Olowo

By Busola Akinyoade

The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ajala Rasaq, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through sustainable skill acquisition initiatives.

He said the initiative marked a shift from short-term interventions to more impactful, long-term empowerment schemes.

He said this at the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of a three-month vocational training programme.

“You will agree with me that our communities are grappling with high levels of youth unemployment. Democracy should resonate with the people’s actual needs. That is why, based on our needs assessment, we designed a three-month skills acquisition programme to not only train our youths but also equip them with tools to start their businesses immediately,” he said.

According to the council boss, the seven-day trainings with limited financial support was granted the top 20 participants.

He added that this year’s initiative saw all 148 graduating students receive start-up equipment relevant to their acquired skills.

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“This is a major departure from what we used to do. We are no longer just handing out certificates, we are setting our youths up for success with practical tools. They can begin their entrepreneurial journey as early as tomorrow without the burden of loans,” he said.

Ajala described the programme’s impact as “highly encouraging” and affirmed that the government would continue to invest in youth development annually.

“We are changing the narrative. People say nothing good can come out of Mushin, but we are proving them wrong,” he added.

He stressed that the initiative was aimed at transforming beneficiaries into employers of labour who contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

While commending the efforts of the 148 committed graduates, he also expressed concern over the dropout rate, revealing that over 700 residents initially applied for the programme, yet fewer than 150 completed it.

“As we approach the July 27 local council elections, I appeal to our residents: embrace government initiatives, believe in them, and participate fully. The whole essence of governance is to reduce the number of idle youths and create a platform for sustainable livelihood,” he urged.

The Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye local branch, Ibrahim Adigun, has declared interest in the state’s chairmanship position.

Adigun made his intention known at a briefing held at the multi-purpose hall of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Secretariat, Ilupeju.

He said his aspiration is driven by a vision for an empowered and united youth community, committed to professionalism, and productivity.

Adigun assured that he would replicate his remarkable grassroots projects at the state level for the betterment of youths across the state.

He promised to complement and work in tandem with the state government and 57 council chairmen to make life more meaningful for the youths by undertaking human capital development programmes, among others.

“My administration will actively create entrepreneurial opportunities for our members, promote self-reliance, enhance human capital development, and ultimately contribute to nation-building, especially in the economic sphere,” he said.

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Adigun, a one-time speaker of the Lagos State University Student Parliamentary Council, promised to elevate state NYCN chapter to model for excellence not only for our local branches and affiliated voluntary youth organizations but also for other chapters across the country.

He appealed for continued support for his emergence at the state elective congress, scheduled between July 5 and 7.

The outgoing Vice Chairman NYCN Lagos West, Comrade Jamiu Ademosu, the outgoing publicity secretary, Comrade Idris Ajala, emeritus state chairman, Comrade Olayinla Oresile, coordinators of the 28 local branches under Lagos West, as well as heads of various community-based organizations and Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYO), declared their support for Adigun’s aspiration, vowing to work for his emergence.