…AfDB-funded initiative equips participants with practical skills for sustainable economic growth
The Oyo State Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSc, GSSRS, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to tackling youth unemployment and accelerating inclusive economic development through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, enterprise development and practical skills acquisition.
As part of this commitment, the Oyo Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme successfully concluded a three-day intensive capacity building training designed to equip young people with practical knowledge, entrepreneurial competencies and enterprise management skills necessary to become employers of labour and contributors to the state’s economic prosperity.
The training programme, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Oyo SAPZ initiative, was held at Pinnacle Hotel, Arapaja Road, Odo-Ona Kekere, Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan. The workshop brought together youths from different parts of the state to receive practical training aimed at bridging the gap between academic qualifications and real-world employability, innovation and business development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness and International Development Cooperation and Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, DBA, CMGR, FCMI (DDA), the Oyo SAPZ State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ajetunmobi Akinwumi, described the participants as privileged to be among the pioneer beneficiaries of the initiative.
He urged them to maximize the opportunity by acquiring practical knowledge that would position them as successful entrepreneurs, innovators, solution providers and wealth creators.
According to him, the capacity building programme aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of building a resilient economy driven by skilled, productive and innovative youths capable of creating sustainable businesses and employment opportunities.
Mr. Ajetunmobi emphasized that beyond certificates, the programme was designed to produce system builders, enterprise developers, Agribusiness professionals and inventors who will contribute meaningfully to Oyo State’s economic transformation and Nigeria’s broader development agenda.
Participants at the training expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, OYSADA and the African Development Bank for providing such a life-changing opportunity. They described the workshop as practical, insightful and impactful, pledging to apply the knowledge gained towards establishing successful enterprises and creating employment opportunities for others.
The Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, who attended the programme, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritizing youth empowerment through strategic economic initiatives.
He noted that the SAPZ programme represents another practical demonstration of the administration’s commitment to reducing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening the state’s economy through agribusiness-led industrialization.
Engr. Olatunji encouraged participants to become worthy ambassadors of Oyo State by translating the knowledge acquired into viable businesses capable of transforming their communities and improving livelihoods.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his people-oriented leadership and to the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, for his commitment to implementing innovative programmes that directly impact the lives of young people across the state.
The Oyo SAPZ Programme remains one of the flagship initiatives of the Makinde administration aimed at attracting private sector investments into Agriculture, promoting agro-industrial development, creating jobs, enhancing food security and positioning Oyo State as Nigeria’s leading Agribusiness investment destination.
With initiatives such as this capacity building programme, the Oyo State Government continues to demonstrate that empowering young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and access to opportunities remains central to its sustainable development agenda.
E-Signed:
Written/Reported By
✍️ Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez
(IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE)
Media and Public Affairs Analyst
