… Commences 5-month mentorship online  program for trainee

The recently concluded Digital Skills Training program by the Oyo State Government, under the State Agency for Youth Development, was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of individuals eager to enhance their digital literacy.

The program, facilitated by Precision Automation, a leading tech organization in Nigeria, and THX22 Foundation, an arm of 22Bet, attracted participants including students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals seeking to enhance their digital skills.

The areas of training included digital marketing, web design, Amazon Kindle Publishing, and leveraging artificial intelligence.

All participants had the opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain practical experience, enhancing their employability and providing them with a competitive edge in the business world. Whereas, a 5-month mentorship online program has commenced for trainees, where over 2,500 participants joined via Precision Automation’s platforms.

The participants, hailing from various backgrounds and age groups, shared a common goal: to acquire the skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

As the training progressed, the participants’ faces reflected their growing confidence and excitement.

From initial hesitation to final project presentations, their transformation was palpable.

The participants’ faces told a story of digital revolution, inspiration, and accomplishment.

As they embarked on this digital journey, they discovered new possibilities and unlocked their potential.

The Digital Skills Training program not only equipped them with valuable skills but also fostered a sense of community and connection.

As they move forward, their faces will continue to shine with the confidence and knowledge gained through this enriching experience.

In a significant move towards revitalizing youth centers across the State, the Oyo State Government, through the State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, State Ministry of Works and Oyo East local government chairman, Hon. Olusola Peter Oluokun conducted a comprehensive site inspection at Oyo Durbar Youth center, marking the official commencement of the renovation work.

This collaborative effort aims to transform the center into a modern hub for youth activities, workshops, administrative blocks, and programs.

The inspection team assessed the current state of the center, Apitipiti GRA, and Oyo Durbar, discussing the necessary rehabilitation, upgrades, and expansions to create a safe and conducive environment for the youth.

While discussing the renovation plan, the potential rehabilitation process includes a 1,000-capacity Hall and Charlet,  expanding the space to accommodate more activities, an ICT Hub, Introducing new equipment and technology to support skill development, Modern facilities, and enhancing safety features and accessibility.

This project demonstrates the commitment of the State Government under His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde to supporting the growth and development of the community’s youth. The renovated center will provide a vibrant space for young individuals to:

• Develop new skills and interests
• Build relationships and networks
• Access resources and support
• Engage in recreational activities

While Speaking with the State Government and local government officials,  Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the community.

He assured the residents that the renovation work would be completed promptly and the center would be ready to welcome the youth soon.

According to him; “we’ll be excited to see the transformation of this center and the opportunities it will bring to our young people towards sustainable development.

Equally, the Executive Chairman of Oyo East local government, Hon. Oluokun Peter Olusola, reaffirmed that the renovation is a testament to the State Government’s commitment to the youth and our community.

He emphasized the importance of delivering high-quality work on time, ensuring the center meets the needs of the youth while urging the residents to support the efforts of the State Government in creating a thriving space for the young generation.

In accompany of the youth agency Chairman are; Ayodeji Alayande, executive secretary of Oyo State Agency for Youths, Mrs. Nancy Olayinka Muraina, administrative officers.

Others are Oyo East, leader of the House,  Supervisory Councilor for Works, Finance, Agriculture, Youths and Sports, Special Adviser on Youths and Sports, Health, and several others.

N1m Prize Awaits Winners of Inaugural Pool Champions League, Supported By Oyo Govt

Inaugural Pool Champions League: Oyo Govt Offers N1m Prize to Winners, Encourages Participation

Oyo State Government has thrown its weight behind the maiden edition of Pool Champions League, just as the winner of the tournament will be going home with a one million naira cash prize.

While speaking as a special guest at a press conference held at the Ibadan Recreation Club, Sabo Area, Ibadan on Tuesday, The Chairman of Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Falana, declared the State Government’s support for the inaugural Pool Champions League scheduled to commence on October 30.

Prince Adebowale said, “There is a need to engage our youths in sports, especially in other sports aside from football.

“The focus should not only be on football; as the agency, we are doing a lot in helping youths to discover their talents. We’ve been supporting them with skills acquisition programs and digital technology innovations in the entertainment and creative industry, and we are still ready to do more.

“Our doors are open to various stakeholders for partnership on programs that will open our youths to new ideas and an ideal way of earning money,” Falana said.

He urged the youths in the country to come out in great numbers to showcase their talents at the Pool Champions League tournament.

Falana, therefore, pledged the agency’s moral and financial support to make the league a memorable one.

The Convener of the maiden Oyo State Pool Champions League, Mr Oluwatosin Odita in his remarks, said the grand prize of one million Naira will be at stake for competitors.

Noting that the five-day tournament would feature players from many parts of the country jostling for the grand prize, stressing that the tournament will be held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 and feature 32 players.

Oluwatosin promised that the five-day sporting activities would be a hitch-free tournament.

He said, “The best 16 players would move from the opening round to the quarter-finals before advancing to the semi-finals and final.

“There are games each day of the week, from the preliminaries, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, while all matches of the tournament will be held at the Black Nile Lounge in Bodija every day.

“Then, the final will be at the Billionaires Section of Ibadan Recreation Club,” he said.

Odita said the real essence of the tournament was to have a community of players first and also identify them as pool players.

He said the new talents would be merged with players from Lagos and then the sport’s umbrella body would partner with international bodies to export the players.

“The tournament will create an academy for the younger ones and catch them young to master the technicality of the game.

“Plans are ongoing to enroll the players on a coaching course in the UK governing body for pool annually.

“The certificate can enable the players to become coaches anywhere in the world in the future, thereby giving back to the people by training them, ”Odita said.

“The tournament’s overall winner will get N1 million and a trophy while the first runners-up will receive N500,000 and the second runners-up N300,000. This will go with the presentation of certificates and consolation prizes to all the participants of the tournament” Oluwatosin said.

Chairman of Ibadan Recreation Club’s Billiards and Snooker Section, Mr. Mbim Okutiyang, said the section was giving Nigerians the opportunity to play with standard tables recognized globally in snooker and pool.

Mbim noted that the tournament would serve as an opportunity for people to know what IRC is all about and what it offers.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Falana on Monday engaged the State youth on government developmental projects.

Prince Adebowale and the teaming Oyo youth of various organizations interacted with the minister at the conference Hall, Youth Agency,  Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan. While welcoming the minister, Oyo Agency Chairman Adebowale acknowledged the initiatives of the executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, on various youth engagement, Empowerment, and development that are beneficial to the youth.

He also emphasized the Federal Government programs on youth initiatives and sought for collaboration of both the Oyo State Government and Federal Government on more youth programs that will focus on creating opportunities for youth engagement, skill development, and entrepreneurship as well as addressing their needs.

He said the gathering was focused on youth development through direct dialogue with the Federal Government. He expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of such engagements.

In his statement, the Senior Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Comr. Victor Olojede commended the Minister and the Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Development Agency. He highlighted the importance of student participation in nation-building and advocated for greater involvement of student bodies in Federal initiatives

Also, Oyo State PDP Youth leader and acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ogunsina Micheal, said the courtesy visit of the Honorable e State Minister for Youths. He called on the youth to put aside parochial and primordial interests towards a better future.

“We must empower our young people to take ownership of their future and create a world,” he said

Ogunsina further acknowledged the fact that the honorable State Minister is a shining example for Youths in governance which is a replica in the appointment of the People’s Governor in Pacesetter State, Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE.

In his reaction, the minister, Ayodele Olawande, commended the Oyo state youth for their commitment to good governance; he reiterated his commitment to ensuring the success of his ministry.

He emphasized that his office would remain non-partisan and encouraged the youth to prioritize development over political affiliations.

The Minister urged the Oyo State youth to proactively engage with Government initiatives through what he termed “Aggressive Engagement.” He stressed the importance of self-reflection and genuine reconciliation, cautioning against the dangers of comparing oneself with others, which he identified as a root cause of many societal issues.

The youth organizations present expressed their desire for increased involvement in various Federal Government youth initiatives. They voiced their commitment to contributing to the development of the state and the nation. Among youth organizations in attendance include Entertainment Stakeholders led by Don T, the Association of Registered Social Youth Clubs (ARSOYOC), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Federation of Boys and Girls Clubs (PROTAAN), and others.

A team from the State Legislature, led by Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, conducted an inspection tour on Thursday of the moribund International Youth Year Village (IYY) in Ajoda, Egbeda Local Government Area to assess the youth technical training facilities.

It should be recalled that the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development visited the center a week after his appointment.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Conference of Speakers, conducted a fact-finding mission to assess the facility’s condition and explore ways to revitalize it, as directed by His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, FNSE.

During the inspection, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin promised immediate resuscitation of the center by the State Government, describing it as an asset to the Youth Constituency in terms of technical training.

He assured the Agency for Youth Chairman, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, of the Government’s commitment to this cause.

He emphasized that the technical training provided by the youth center addresses the unemployment gap by offering specialized training that aligns with industry needs.

He noted that technical skills are in high demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, and stressed that the youth center requires a complete overhaul for renovation.

“This center is ideal for training in plumbing, welding, inverter acquisition, tailoring, and hairdressing, and serves as a practical training ground for theoretical professionals.

The village will host practical aspects aimed at building bridges for youth sustainability,” he said.

“It empowers the youth with the tools to turn their ideas into reality.

Reviving the moribund Youth facility will not only address the lack of materials and resources but will also create a conducive environment for the youth to learn, explore their interests, and ultimately contribute to the socio-economic growth of Oyo State.”

Reflecting on its history, Prince Adebowale stated that the International Youth Year Village in Ajoda, Egbeda, was established in 1980 by Olabisi Onabanjo to compensate the Oyo State Government, which was then controlled by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

The speaker of the House was shown various facilities, including a series of chalets, the dilapidated Layi Balogun Hall, a general kitchen, dining area in poor condition, and automobile centers.

He was accompanied by the Lawmaker representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel.

While assuring residents of the youth center’s revamp, he highlighted that this initiative, under the sustainable legacy of His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, aims to promote technical training skills and set Oyo as a pacesetter to the world.

E-Signed:
Opeyemi Rasheed Olawale,
Media Aide to the Chairman,
Oyo State Agency for Youths Development.

The flag off of OYS-CARES LIPW Orientation and Validation Exercise took place today 23rd of Jan 2024 at Mapo Hall premises.

The Honourable Commissioner, the Permanent  Secretary, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government Mapo Honourable EMMANUEL Oluwole Alawode, SOCU Officials, Head of LIPW Oyo State (OGA AT THE TOP) and staffs of LIPW and other dignitaries were all present

Mr Sangogade (Head LIPW) explained to the Beneficiaries the process and procedure that led to their inclusions in to this laudable program and implored them to cooperate with the officials saddle with the responsibility of carry out the task by providing all the necessary informations                       speaking in the same vein, The Executive Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government thanked the Executive Governor of Oyo State, as well as the State Officials for their unflinching support to the people of Ibadan South East Local Government and Oyo State at large by providing dividend of democracy to the people at the grass root, most especially the poorest of the poor and vulnerable in the society.

He equally urged  the Beneficiaries to cooperate with the officials during the verification and validation exercise.

Reporting Officer

Mrs K.A. Balogun