The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has praised the Federal Government’s vocational training initiative, describing it as a major step towards reducing poverty and unemployment among Nigerian youths.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has described the Federal Government’s vocational training and empowerment programme as a game changer in the fight against poverty and unemployment, particularly among young Nigerians.
The monarch made the remarks on Thursday in Ibadan when Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE), visited his palace to brief him on the ongoing initiative in Oyo State.
The programme, implemented under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), seeks to equip beneficiaries with practical, marketable skills to improve their employability, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen their economic independence.
Ladoja commended Arogundade for championing the initiative, saying practical skills training could help young people become self-reliant and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
“It’s a very good initiative, and we are very proud of Arogundade,” the monarch said.
He encouraged other public officials and influential individuals to support similar interventions, noting that skills acquisition could help reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Olubadan also urged organisations and individuals with the capacity to do so to invest in vocational training and income-generating opportunities for Nigerians.
During the visit, Arogundade informed the monarch that the grand finale of the 10-day vocational training programme for 200 youths in Oyo State was scheduled for Friday.
Participants received training in graphics design and artificial intelligence (AI), makeup artistry and fashion design.
According to Arogundade, beneficiaries would also receive tools relevant to their chosen fields to help them establish businesses and earn a living after completing the programme.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between acquiring skills and having the equipment needed to turn those skills into viable sources of income.
Arogundade said the programme was expected to extend economic opportunities to more young Nigerians by combining practical training with support for entrepreneurship.
She also disclosed plans to distribute tablets to additional beneficiaries as part of efforts to improve digital access and expand economic opportunities.
The Federal Government has said the broader NPRGS initiative will be extended across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with skills training and support tailored to local needs.
The programme forms part of wider efforts to promote self-employment, reduce unemployment and equip young Nigerians with practical skills that can support more sustainable livelihoods.
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