Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday commissioned the newly established Ondo State Skill Enterprise Development Centre in Akure, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and job creation.
The commissioning, held in commemoration of the 2025 World Youth Skills Day, themed “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,” took place at the Centre’s premises along Oda Road in the state capital.
Although the Day is globally marked on July 15, Ondo State shifted its observance to July 16 due to the nationwide public holiday.
Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa described the centre as a strategic investment in the future of the state’s youth, aimed at equipping them with relevant skills for economic independence in a rapidly changing world.
“Youths are the backbone of any society. For any government to succeed, the development of young people must be at the core of its plans,” he said.
“With limited white-collar jobs available, we must ensure that our young people are not idle but engaged in learning profitable skills that will transform their lives.”
He explained that the facility is designed to help young people in the state acquire or sharpen their skills in various trades, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute productively to the economy.
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“This is not just a building—it is a workshop for empowerment, a place where dreams are shaped through hands-on learning. With this Centre in place, no youth should be roaming the streets or engaging in crime,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, in his remarks, said the initiative reflects the government’s sincere commitment to tackling unemployment.
He also announced that transport allowances would be provided to encourage participants to attend training sessions consistently.
Vice Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Ayodele Adebayo, who represented the council chairman, Gbenga Fasua, urged artisans and skilled youths to take full advantage of the new facility to improve their crafts and contribute to local development.
Also present at the event was the new Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Omoyofunmi Segun Henry, who commended the governor for prioritising youth-focused programmes and policies.
