Ikorodu Local Government empowered 30 residents who completed a 6-month skills acquisition training in fashion designing. The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, at the Council Secretariat in Ikorodu.

The Chairman, Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, also surprised two individuals with special gifts – Mr. Owen Dawodu with a computer set and Alh. Kawusara Aleja with a refrigerator. He praised their dedication, describing it as top-notch.

In his address, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, congratulated the graduands on their achievement. He noted that the programme was designed to equip residents, particularly youth and women, with practical skills to enhance their self-reliance, reduce unemployment, and promote entrepreneurship.

Hon. Adesina said that each graduand would receive a brand-new sewing machine as a start-up pack to enable them to commence their entrepreneurial journey. He emphasized that empowerment must go beyond training and provide the means to translate skills into sustainable livelihoods.

The Chairman urged the graduands to be job creators rather than job seekers and to use their newfound skills to uplift others and create opportunities. He also announced that the government has lined up more empowerment programmes in diverse fields such as catering, ICT, and hairdressing.

Hon. Adesina expressed his appreciation to the facilitators and trainers who contributed to the programme’s success. He noted that empowerment is not a privilege, but a right, and that it is the government’s responsibility to provide opportunities for residents to become productive and fulfilled.

The programme is part of the local government’s efforts to invest in human capital development and promote economic growth in the community. The graduands were encouraged to shine as worthy ambassadors of the programme and to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Chairperson of Ikorodu Local Government, Mrs. Abolanle Saidat Adesina, praised the leadership of Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, her husband and the Chairman of the local government, for his visionary approach to community development. She noted that the programme was not just a routine fashion training, but a strategic investment in human capital aimed at building a globally competitive generation.

Mrs. Adesina commended the Chairman for raising the bar of local governance and setting a new national standard. She drew inspiration from countries like China and India, which have made significant strides in technology and innovation through deliberate investments in skills development. She noted that Nigeria must rise to this same calling, and Ikorodu Local Government is already answering that call.

The Chairperson congratulated the graduands on their achievement, urging them to use their skills to make a positive impact in their communities. She also expressed gratitude to the trainers, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the programme’s success.

Mrs. Adesina emphasized that true leadership is not in titles, but in tangible impacts, and commended her husband for his leadership. She called on all stakeholders to continue working together to build a stronger, smarter, and more self-reliant Ikorodu.

Basorun Babatunde Rotinwa, former Lagos Head of Service, described the fashion industry as a lucrative opportunity that can provide economic empowerment for the graduands. He applauded the instructors for their dedication and commended the Chairman for the initiative.

Hon. Rotimi Ogunleye also praised the programme, noting that skill acquisition is essential in today’s world. He commended the Chairman for empowering the graduands and doing a commendable job.

Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Isikalu, the Iya Oloja General of Ikorodu Division, praised the Chairman’s efforts, saying that he has done exceptionally well despite being close to the end of his tenure. She urged the graduands to make good use of the equipment and expand their skills, adding that the Chairman’s initiatives for youths and women in Ikorodu are truly commendable.

Oyalade Temitope thanked the Chairman for the sewing machine, saying it will enable her to start her own fashion business and create employment opportunities for others in her community.

Abisola Emmanuel exclaimed, “I’m excited because with this, it will help my community by providing stylish and affordable clothing options, and I hope to also train others in the future.”