From Thrash to Treasure: Planet 3R Concludes Second Batch of Vocational Training

Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, has applauded the creativity and commitment of students who successfully completed a six-week intensive training under the *Planet 3R Waste-to-Wealth Programme.

It would be recalled that 97 youth benefited from the first phase of the training and were equipped with practical skills to convert waste into reusable, eco-friendly products through a six-week intensive training programme.

Today, Thursday 19th June, 2025, the graduation ceremony for the second batch, took place at the organization’s newly established secretariat located in the *Adegbayi area of Ibadan.

The event showcased the remarkable transformation of waste into reusable and valuable products, leading to the creation of lasting structures for youth development and innovation in line with the sustainable prosperity agenda of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Trainees were grouped into six distinct teams, each demonstrating innovative projects that reflected the depth of their acquired skills in sustainability and recycling. The representatives of the groups were:

* *Group 1:* Raheem Deborah
* *Group 2:* Olajobi Olushola
* *Group 3:* Bello Khaeerat
* *Group 4:* Bello WBU Oluwa
* *Group 5:* Adeola Yemitan
* *Group 6:* Oluwatobiloba Opata

Each group exhibited its final projects to an audience filled with excitement and encouragement.

Impressed by the quality of the work presented, *Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana* expressed his admiration for the trainees’ efforts and urged them to maximize the opportunity provided.

Adebowale, however, used the medium to appreciate the commitment of His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde to youth empowerment, training, and mentorship opportunities across all areas of empowerment in Pacesetter State.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting skill acquisition and youth development in Oyo State.

“You have all displayed what true learning, dedication, and creativity mean. This is just the beginning. The Agency is proud to support initiatives like this and will continue to do so,” he stated.

The *Director of Planet 3R*, *Miss Lasisi Adejoke*, while delivering her remarks, expressed deep appreciation for the passion and resilience shown by the participants. She encouraged them to be excellent ambassadors of the skill center and charged them to “be greater, better, and smarter” as they venture into the world to apply their newly acquired knowledge.

She also revealed that the next batch of trainees will be rolled out soon and commended the growth observed in *Batch A, Cohort 2*, describing it as inspiring.

Present at the event alongside the Chairman were notable personalities including *Engr. Femi Afolabi*, *Asiwaju YSO Oladunni*, *Akintoye Adewale*, and *Kareem Oluwatobiloba* who all commended the initiative and congratulated the graduates on their successful completion of the program.

The event ended on a high note, with photo sessions, interactions, and renewed commitments to youth empowerment and environmental sustainability in Oyo State.

E-Signed:
Opeyemi Rasheed Socrates,
Head of Media Unit to the Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.