PROTAAN Summit 5.0: Skills Acquisition Key to Confidence and Economic Growth – Oyo Youth Agency Chairman Falana

The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has reiterated the crucial role of vocational and technical skills acquisition in building youth confidence and driving economic growth across Oyo State.

Falana made this known on Tuesday at the Oluyole Hall in Ibadan during the 5th edition of the Progressive Tradesmen and Artisans Association of Nigeria (PROTAAN) Youth Wing Summit.

Delivering a keynote address themed “Building Confidence through Skills Acquisition,” the Chairman emphasized that equipping young people with practical and employable skills remains one of the most effective strategies for tackling unemployment and fostering inclusive development.

“Skills acquisition is not just a path to livelihood—it is a tool for self-discovery, confidence, and national transformation. When youth are empowered with the right skills, they transition from job seekers to job creators,” Falana stated.

The annual summit, organized by PROTAAN’s Youth Wing, brought together artisans, vocational professionals, industry experts, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s informal sector and the empowerment of tradespeople through innovation, training, and access to grants.

Falana commended the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for its commitment to youth empowerment through continuous investment in vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and partnerships with technical institutions. He encouraged professional bodies and community stakeholders to collaborate on training initiatives that reflect today’s market demands.

“In Oyo State, we are not training youth just for formality—we are building a generation that is confident, capable, and globally competitive. Tradesmen and artisans remain critical partners in this vision,” he added.

Falana also noted that the state has officially launched the Sub-national African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation Strategy, aimed at boosting cross-border trade and expanding market access for local producers.

In his remarks, PROTAAN National President, Mogaji Salaudeen Kamorudeen, praised the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development for providing the association with uncommon support and recognition within government structures.

He also extended appreciation to the First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency Engr. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, for her empowerment initiatives targeting the association’s members, which he said have significantly enhanced their confidence and productivity.

Kamorudeen further commended the Youth Wing Chairman, Comrade Dayo Adebisi, for his efforts in fostering unity and progress within the association.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Comrade Adebisi lauded the state government for its consistent support of tradesmen and artisans. He emphasized the importance of skilled labor in national development and recognized the Youth Agency’s pivotal role in that journey.

“Our members are not just manual workers—they are economic builders. Through platforms like this summit, we advocate for recognition, policy reforms, and improved access to resources,” Adebisi said.

The event featured breakout sessions, exhibitions, and training workshops on key topics such as innovation in craftsmanship, financing opportunities, apprenticeships, and the integration of digital tools in artisanal work.

As the summit concluded, participants called for increased investment in vocational training infrastructure, stronger public-private partnerships, and broader support systems to enhance job creation and economic sustainability.

Accompanying the Chairman at the event were Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo Idowu (Coordinating Director), Mr. Osungbaro Oluwaseye (Director of Administration and General Services), Mr. Oladoja Olayiwola Muyiwa (Head, Youth Mobilization and Voluntary Organizations), Hon. Engr. Afolabi Olufemi (Chief of Staff), and Miss Yisah Oladunni (Private Secretary to the Chairman).