Ijede LCDA through its Vocational Center empowered over 300 young individuals with valuable skills and start-up kits. This initiative aims to combat unemployment and provide opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in Ijede LCDA.

Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, in her speech she said The center was established in 2015, has been a beacon of hope, empowering youths to gain valuable skills that guarantee a fulfilling livelihood.

Hon. Gbadebo-Alogba announced that a total of 356 students graduated yesterday, each having acquired skills in various vocations. The Fashion Designing, Hairdressing, Gele Tying and Cosmetology, Bead Making, Barbing, Catering, Tiling and Paving, Production of Tye and Dye Departments, and even household cleaning materials were areas of focus for the trainees. To complement their vocational training, an Entrepreneurship Department also equipped them with the knowledge to manage their businesses after graduation. The graduates are the products of the years 2022 and 2023.

She said Many of them have already started utilizing their acquired knowledge for personal growth and benefiting their families. The Chairman also expressed her appreciation to the instructors and supervisors who played a vital role in shaping the students’ skills and guiding them towards success.

Their commendable work has made a significant impact on the lives of these youth, and Hon. Gbadebo-Alogba extended her sincere prayers that they receive their well-deserved rewards.

Mrs. Yewande Gbonegun HOD WAPA Ijede LCDA, she higligted the impact of the empowerment courses offered, which spanned multiple disciplines. Participants had the opportunity to learn valuable skills in areas such as Fashion Design, Catering, Make-up and Gele, Bead making, Barbing, Tiles and Paving, Entrepreneurship, Hair Dressing, and Production. The courses went beyond theoretical knowledge and imparted practical skills in the creation of essentials like insecticides, toilet cleaner, multipurpose liquid soap, hair care products, tie and dye, and much more.

Mrs. Yewande extended her appreciation to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, affectionately known as “Ijede Tunrayo, Ayo ni temi.” She acknowledged his unwavering support and commitment, which led to the allocation of funds necessary to procure essential items for the benefit of eighty-six deserving individuals within the local council and its environs.

In her remarks, Mrs. Akintola Adebimpe, the Council Manager, highlighted the importance of empowering the youths as a means to develop the council. She emphasized that the program aims to reduce unemployment levels and ensure the effective utilization of the equipment provided to the graduates.

Mrs. Adebimpe expressed confidence that with focus and determination, these empowered youths will become breadwinners in their families.

Hon. Abisola Abari, the Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), in her remarks she said the empowered youths were carefully selected based on their dedication to the training program. She mentioned that factors such as attendance, punctuality, eagerness to learn, discipline, and other criteria were considered to qualify them for this empowering opportunity.

Hon. Abari added that many of the recipients were pleasantly surprised and even shed tears of joy upon hearing their names called to collect their empowerment items, as they had no idea about the program’s resolution.

Former Executive Secretary of Ijede LCDA, HON. Adewale Ajala, former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Hassan Adefarasin, Mr. Ajetunmobi Olawunmi shared some valuable words of advice with the graduates. They emphasized the importance of utilizing their newly acquired skills to create job opportunities and shape the future of Ijede LCDA.

Other Dignitaries in attendance are Hon. Femi Kabir Vice Chairman Ijede LCDA, Representative of Obateru of Egbin Kingdom High Chief Lateef Saminu, Hon. Fahm, CDC Chairman Hon. Kehinde Fesomu, Mr. Sodiq Mabeko Council Treasurer, Supervisors, Councillors, Management staffs, among others.