In a major stride toward youth empowerment and socio-economic development, the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, DR. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, officially declared open a three-day enterprise development and skills acquisition program, held at the Abeokuta North Local Government Enterprise Development and Skills Acquisition Centre.
This landmark initiative, tagged under the OGOO Skills Development Programme, is designed to upskill and empower 200 participants in three core vocational areas: Tie and Dye (Adire/Kampala), Graphic Design, and Paint Production.
OGOO, an acronym representing the four indigenous communities that make up Abeokuta North – Oke Ona, Gbagura, Owu, and Oke Ogun – serves as a unifying symbol of inclusivity and grassroots development. According to the Chairman, the centre is a purpose-built incubation hub dedicated to unlocking the latent potential of residents, with a strong focus on reducing unemployment and improving livelihood sustainability.
“Our vision is to empower people with practical and relevant skills that not only boost their self-reliance but also contribute meaningfully to the economy,” stated Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo. “This program is a true reflection of our administration’s commitment to human capital development and community empowerment.”
Earlier in her opening speech the Head of Local Government Administration Mrs Kikelomo Ajayi urges participants to take advantage of the opportunity to make meaning out of the training to make it a source of income.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, the chairman, Mr. Adeosun Azeez, emphasized that the initiative was strategically targeted at unemployed and underemployed individuals within the local government, providing them with both the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive.
Participants expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman and the organizing team for the thoughtful and impactful empowerment opportunity, pledging to maximize the knowledge gained for personal and community advancement.
Dignitaries present at the flag-off event included:
Hon. Taiyelolu Egbeyemi, Vice Chairman, Hon Prince Hadi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on lnter-Ethics Matters, Mrs kikelomo Ajayi, Head of Local Government Administration,
Mr. Solomon Akibo, Special Adviser on Works,
Mr. Lukman Adesina Balogun, Special Adviser on Youths, Sports and Social Development,
Chief Olajumoke Akindele, Special Assistant on Water, Environment and Safety,
Mrs. Akiode Temitope Bernice, Special Assistant on Women Affairs and Health,
Hon. Idris Bietta, Special Assistant on Inter-Ethnic Affairs and Livestock Development, Mr Faremi Niyi Olusola, Ag.Director General Services and Administration,
Mrs Siwoku Racheal Owowunmi, Director of Finance and Supplies,
Mrs. Folarin, Director of Community Development and Social Welfare,
Hajia Zainab Faleye, Internal Auditor of the Council.
The program runs from Tuesday, 29th July to Thursday, 31st July 2025, and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to create a self-reliant and economically vibrant Abeokuta North Local Government.
Reported by-Aregbesola Olanrewaju ANIPR
E-signed
Olasunkanmi Olalekan
Head lnformation, Education&Sports
Abeokuta North LG
30/7/2025