Kunle Adelabu
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali has charged the government, both at the State and Local Council levels, to provide financial and material supports for youths learning skills after training to make them productive.
Oba Kasali, who was the royal father at the closing ceremony of the Igbogbo phase of the Elite Project, an empowerment training organised by the Atlas Initiatives held at the Adeboruwa Pavilion on Thursday, August 27, 2020, also charged beneficiaries of the training to ensure that they make good use of the knowledge they have acquired.
Although, the organizers set out to train 35 youths in 3D Epoxy design, tailoring, catering and make – up artistry, over 60 ended up participating and completing the training because the organizers said that they could not turn back those that came to join them.
It was also gathered that the trainees were made to learn at least two skills.
Oba Kasali was represented at the event by Chief Jelili Oduntan.
“This is a commendable initiative by the organizers. The training, which started six months ago, has been concluded with participants learning different skills.
“Among others things, the training must have taught you how to relate with others and improve your communication skills so as to make you a better speaker in public”, Oba Kasali stated.
“You have to start putting all that you have learnt during the training into practice. Always volunteer yourself to speak and engage others to improve on this aspect of your training” the royal father charged them.
“It is quite remarkable that the six months training has come to an end. You now have to start practicing all that you have learnt to support yourself and families”.
The royal father enjoined government and other organizations to ensure that youths that have acquired skills are supported with capital and materials needed to startup in order not to allow knowledge acquired to waste.
“Learning a skill is one thing but there is need to practice what you have learnt. It is only when you engage in it that you will improve on it and earn a living for yourself and family.
“This is where the government and private organizations will have to come in by providing support for these youths so as to make them contribute meaningfully to the society with the knowledge that they acquired”.
To the organisers, Oba Kasali said, “Your organization has done very well. I commend you for empowering our youths for the future”.
Mr Habeeb Balogun, the Executive Director of the Atlas Initiatives, in his opening speech, said that the training programme inaugurated in Offin six months ago was disturbed by the outbreak of the COVlD – 19 pandemic and that they had to reconvene after the lockdown was relaxed.
“Even though we have planned to train 35 youths, we ended up training over 60. Many of them faced challenges attending the training but they were committed and they saw it through. Today, they are better persons.
“We are presenting certificates to all of the trainees that have completed training in at least two skills”.
He also stated that the group is partnering with organizations and skill acquisition centres in furthering training and engagements for the trainees.
Meanwhile, one of the trainees, Esther, stated that aside the skills that she acquired during the training, she has also learnt about self esteem and public speaking.
Another training, Amoo Olusola who said that it was challenging attending the training, commended the organizers for their encouragement and impact, while adding that, “I have learnt many things about communication too”.
Arafat Ishola, who also participated in the six months training said:
“I am very happy to have been part of the training. I have learnt catering and l was also taught communication skills among others.
Michael Mark, another participant, said:
“Although, it was tough but the trainings were very interesting.
“The programme has given us skills. It also taught us how to express ourselves. It has added value to our individual persons and made us realize who we are and how we can contribute to our society”, Mark added.
A married woman who attended the training with kids, Mrs Mistura Akinyemi, also speaking, said:
“I have learnt how to make money with 3D Expoxy design and l also acquired skill in communication.
“It was very tough when I started but the programme was enjoyable. I can now relate with people and customers very well due to the training”, she said.
Designs and products made by trainees were displayed during the closing ceremony while 3D Expoxy designed photograph frames were presented to the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Sesan Daini, and others.
