Ibadan South West Chairman, Hon. Kehinde Akande Moves To Equip Youths With Basic Skills

The Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equip young people with practical and digital skills that can improve their livelihoods and prepare them for the future.

Hon. Kehinde Akande stated this during an inspection tour of ongoing construction sites for ICT and Vocational Training Centers across the local government. The project is aimed at providing accessible platforms where youths can acquire basic digital literacy, technical skills, and vocational training at no cost.

During the inspection, Hon. Akande noted that education in the 21st century goes beyond classroom learning. He emphasized that every young mind in Ibadan South West must have access to basic skills in ICT, trades, and entrepreneurship in order to be competitive and self-reliant.

According to him, the ICT center will be equipped with computers, internet facilities, and training modules in coding, graphics design, digital marketing, and other technology-driven courses. The vocational center, on the other hand, will offer training in carpentry, tailoring, catering, electrical works, welding, and other artisan skills that have direct market value.

He explained that the goal of the initiative is to reduce youth unemployment and poverty in the local government by creating opportunities for young people to learn, earn, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. He added that the centers will also partner with relevant agencies and private organizations to provide certification and linkage to job and business opportunities after training.

Hon. Kehinde Akande further stated that the administration will ensure the facilities are completed on schedule and managed in a way that guarantees maximum benefit for residents. He called on community leaders, parents, and stakeholders to encourage young people to take advantage of the programs when they commence.

Residents and stakeholders who joined the inspection expressed support for the project, describing it as timely and necessary for youth development in Ibadan South West. They noted that investing in skills acquisition will address many of the social and economic challenges facing young people today.

The Executive Chairman assured that basic skills acquisition will remain a priority of his administration. He reiterated that Ibadan South West Local Government under his leadership is committed to building a generation of young people who are digitally skilled, vocationally empowered, and ready to take advantage of opportunities within and outside the state.

The ICT and Vocational Training Centers are expected to be completed and opened for use in the coming months.