The Executive Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, has empowered young and women through the council’s 4th edition of vocational training. This initiative is part of the council’s mission to empower its people and alleviate poverty.

Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba stated, “To me, this programme is timely and critical, particularly at this stage of economic challenges. More importantly, it is in tandem with our mission of empowering our people in Ijede LCDA.” She emphasized that the administration is committed to poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, financial independence, and job creation for its people.

The 4th edition of the vocational training program saw young and women complete their training in various fields, including fashion design, hairdressing, barbing, catering, makeup, gele tying, tiling, bead making, and productions. The beneficiaries received start-up tools, which include sewing machines, hair dryers, makeup boxes, and other equipment necessary for their chosen vocations, such as hair shampoo, hair conditioner, hair cream, hair attachment, table top cake mixer, grinder/blender, frying pans, camp gas, plastic drums with cover, plastic basins, turning stick, different kinds of chemicals for multi-purpose liquid soap, insecticide, toilet cleaner, dettol, clippers, barber’s aprons, brush, white powder, hair/coloured dye, mixing bowl, different kinds of beads, plyers, cutter, fishing line, elastic fishing line, plastic bead container, tiles-cutting machine, electronic scale, hydrometer, measuring jug, and soap mould.

The Council Chairman emphasized that the empowerment program is a deliberate effort to complement Governor Sanwo-Olu’s SPEED UP LAGOS initiative and the T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS agenda. She assured that the program would continue to train, equip, support, and monitor the progress of its beneficiaries until they achieve success. She called on the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by putting all the items received into good use, so as to also give back to the society. “Together, we would build a prosperous Ijede,” she concluded.

According to Hon. Hassan Adefarasin, Apex Leader of Ijede LCDA “Instead of just saying we are eradicating poverty, we are empowering our people to live out of poverty, so they can be on their own and self-sufficient.”

Adefarasin praised the council chairman’s efforts, noting that her leadership has brought peace to the community. “The council chairman has performed incredibly well,” he said. “She has brought a peaceful political atmosphere to Ijede LCDA, with no rancour or in fighting in the party or community.”

Adefarasin urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the equipment provided, enabling them to become self-sufficient.

Builder Olusesan Daini, Chairman Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA commended Hon. Motunrayo for empowering Youths and Women in various vocational fields.

He emphasized that if all local governments implemented similar initiatives, it would significantly reduce the number of young people on the streets.

However, Daini also expressed concern that some empowerment programs have been ineffective due to beneficiaries selling the equipment provided. He appealed to guardians to ensure that the equipment is used to benefit the beneficiaries and future generations, rather than being sold.

According to Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Chairman Imota LCDA he said instead of providing temporary financial assistance, Hon. Alogba chose to equip the people with valuable skills and tools, enabling them to become self-sufficient. This approach, Agoro believes, will contribute significantly to the community’s development.

Agoro advised the beneficiaries to utilize the equipment wisely, focusing on personal and family development rather than selling the tools. He emphasized the importance of sustainability, encouraging the trainees to stay on the path they were trained and share their knowledge with others to create a lasting impact.

Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem, Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, applauded Hon. Gbadebo for empowering residents through the vocational training program. He praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to uplift the community.

As an advocate for self-sufficiency, Kazeem advised the beneficiaries to focus on working for themselves. “If you work on your own, you make more money, you have your time to yourself, and you can do a lot of things,” he said.

Alhaji Ajala emphasized the significance of the initiative, urging beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity. “This is the Local Government doing greatly for you, don’t say the Government is not doing anything,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging the beneficiaries to utilize their newfound skills to achieve success, thereby contributing to the community’s development.

High Chief Ogunmuyiwa, Odofin of Ijede urged the graduates to pay it forward, saying “As you’ve been taught, ensure you train others.” He also cautioned them against selling the equipment provided, emphasizing its importance in their future work.

High Chief Lateef Shokoya, Lisa of Egbin Kingdom also addressed the graduands, advising them to remain committed to their newfound skills and make good use of the equipment provided.

Mrs. Kasali Kafayat, Principal of the Ijede LCDA Vocational Center, praised Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo for her unwavering support for the vocational center, stating that her efforts have made a significant impact on the students.