Oyo youth agency chairman moves to deepen partnership with NGO on youth skills development

The Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Transformation Haven Caring Hearts Foundation (THCHF) to expand vocational training and empowerment opportunities for youths in the state.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, stated this on Tuesday during an inspection visit to the foundation’s facility in Alabidun, along Airport Road, Ajia, Ibadan.

Falana, who inspected various sections of the facility and interacted with trainees, said the agency was interested in partnerships that would complement government efforts in youth empowerment and skills acquisition.

He observed trainees undergoing practical training in bag making, wig making, hairdressing, Adire production, music and fashion design.

The chairman commended the foundation for providing opportunities for youths and other members of the community to acquire vocational skills, saying practical training remained important in addressing unemployment and promoting self-reliance.

Falana said, “In a rapidly changing society, formal education must be complemented with practical knowledge, creativity and vocational competence.

“Skills development is a powerful instrument for reducing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship and building a productive generation.”

He said the testimonies of some of the trainees demonstrated the impact that access to vocational training could have on young people seeking to improve their livelihoods.

According to him, vocational training goes beyond learning a trade, as it also builds confidence, discipline, creativity and the capacity to create value.

Falana, however, advised the management of the foundation to ensure its proper registration and engagement with the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development to facilitate stronger institutional collaboration.

He assured the organisation that the agency would explore areas of partnership that could strengthen its skills acquisition programmes and provide more opportunities for youths across the state.

Speaking on the foundation’s activities, its Chief Executive Officer, Omoditunu Olaopa, said THCHF was established to empower youths, women, widows, widowers and other vulnerable members of society through vocational training, education and humanitarian interventions.

Olaopa said the foundation had also undertaken interventions in education, sports development, food security, access to clean water and community empowerment as part of its efforts to support vulnerable people.

She said, “Our vision is to create a society where underprivileged individuals and communities can thrive through education, empowerment and innovative solutions.

“Our mission is to empower individuals and communities through educational support, humanitarian assistance, transformative programmes and strategic partnerships that promote sustainable growth and lasting positive change.”

Some of the trainees who interacted with the chairman expressed optimism that the skills acquired would help them become self-reliant and financially independent.

The visit also provided an opportunity for officials of the agency to assess the foundation’s training facilities and engage directly with beneficiaries of its programmes.

Falana was accompanied by the Executive Secretary, Director of Administration and Supplies, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, a Youth Officer, Head of the Media Unit to the Chairman, Opeyemi Rasheed Socrates, and other officials of the agency.

The management and staff of THCHF expressed appreciation to the agency for the visit, describing it as an opportunity to explore stronger collaboration in youth empowerment and community development.