A statement made available to ABNews by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, has revealed plans by the Office of the Alaafin of Oyo, in collaboration with the NEXT UP NAIJA EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, to empower 2,000 youths across various vocations.
According to the statement, the selected participants will undergo two months of intensive training in skills such as hair making, barbing, SPA management, cream and soap production, makeup artistry, catering, pastry making, shoe making, driving, tailoring, and security services.
The release also indicated that registration for the empowerment programme will take place at the Palace in Oyo town between April 28 and May 28.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, described the programme as a demonstration of his commitment to youth development. He emphasized that youths, often regarded as the potential leaders of the nation, must be actively integrated into national policies and decision-making processes to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Oba Owoade stressed that young people must be developed intellectually, morally, socially, and equipped with relevant skills to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing technological world.
“With proper training and self-employment, youths can contribute meaningfully to the upkeep of their families and the economic development of the nation. Entrepreneurship plays a critical role in boosting economic growth, creating job opportunities, reducing dependence on imported manufactured goods, and addressing trade deficits,” the Alaafin noted.
