By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, has successfully graduated a new set of trainees from its Skill Acquisition Centre, Igbe Ogunro, as part of its commitment to promoting economic empowerment and self-reliance in the community.
The graduation ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the council premises, marked a significant milestone in the efforts to tackle unemployment and nurture entrepreneurship within the area.
The event was attended by community leaders, stakeholders, and key figures who expressed their support for the initiative, which continues to empower residents and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in various industries.
The training programs, which have been running at the Skill Acquisition Centre, were designed to help individuals acquire practical skills and improve their livelihoods, thereby contributing to the overall development of Ijede LCDA.
Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, the Chairman of Ijede LCDA, delivered an inspiring speech during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of empowering the community through skill acquisition.
In her address, she underscored her administration’s ongoing commitment to reducing poverty, creating jobs, and fostering economic independence.
“We recognize that teaching a man how to fish is more rewarding than giving him fish. When he finishes the fish, he becomes hungry again, which could lead to devastating consequences. However, when he is taught how to fish, he can sustain himself and support others. This administration understands this, which is why we empower our people to be self-reliant,” she stated, reinforcing her vision for long-term sustainability.
A total of 71 participants graduated from a range of vocational training programs that included fashion design, bead making, makeup and gele tying, catering, hairdressing, cosmetology, tiling and paving, barbing, and more.
To further support their entrepreneurial journey, each graduate received relevant start-up equipment, including sewing machines, makeup kits, sterilizing kits, generators, hair dryers, tile cutters, Kenwood hand mixers, production chemicals, wigs, and attachments.
This provision of tools is designed to ensure that the graduates can immediately begin their own businesses and contribute positively to the local economy.
Hon. Durojaiye Babatunde, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Local Government and Rural Development, also praised the initiative, recognizing the critical role such programs play in the sustainable development of the community.
He emphasized that investing in the youth through skills development is a vital step towards building a brighter future for Ijede LCDA.
