The Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping young people with practical, digital and vocational skills to improve their livelihoods and prepare them for future opportunities.
Akande stated this during an inspection tour of ongoing construction sites for ICT and Vocational Training Centres across the local government, noting that the projects are designed to provide youths with accessible opportunities to acquire digital literacy, technical and vocational skills at no cost.
The chairman said education in the 21st century goes beyond classroom learning, stressing that young people in Ibadan South West should have access to skills in information and communication technology, trades and entrepreneurship to become competitive and self-reliant.
According to him, the ICT centre will provide computers, internet facilities and training in areas such as coding, graphics design and digital marketing, while the vocational centre will offer practical training in carpentry, tailoring, catering, electrical works, welding and other marketable skills.
Akande explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing youth unemployment and poverty by creating opportunities for young people to learn, earn and contribute meaningfully to the economy. He added that partnerships with relevant agencies and private organisations would provide certification and link beneficiaries to jobs and business opportunities.
He assured that the administration would ensure the projects are completed on schedule and properly managed for the benefit of residents. He also urged parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to encourage young people to take advantage of the programmes when the centres become operational.
Residents and stakeholders who participated in the inspection welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and important to youth development. They noted that skills acquisition could help address some of the social and economic challenges confronting young people.
Akande reiterated that skills acquisition would remain a priority of his administration, assuring that Ibadan South West Local Government would continue working towards raising a generation of digitally skilled, vocationally empowered and self-reliant youths. The centres are expected to be completed and opened for use in the coming months.
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