CHAIRMANSHIP ASPIRANT, SHAKIRU SEIDU TRAINS, EMPOWERS 50 YOUTH IN IGBOGBO/BAYEKU LCDA. ...Igbogbo Monarch, Basorun Rotinwa, Dr. Kazeem Ogbara, Odofin Onasanya, Rep. Jimi Benson, Bldr. Olusesan Daini, Others Attend, Commend Initiative.

A renowned Journalist and a major contender in the forthcoming Local Government Election in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Shakiru Moritan Seidu, SMS, has said that for the Nigerian economy to join the league of advanced economies of the world, the youth must embrace skills that would make them move from job seekers to employers of labour.

The Chairmanship Aspirant, who spoke when he handed over certificates of Participants to 50 youth in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, after their 7-day training and empowerment programme on Soap making, Creative Design and Branding, Beading Embellishments and Event Decorations, at Adeboruwa Palace Igbogbo, explained that Nigeria required men and women who were not only properly skilled, but were ready to use their skills to create wealth and employ others.

While addressing the gathering, Shakiru Moritan Seidu SMS, a former Banker and Senior Legislative Aide at the Lagos State House of Assembly said, “Let me start by expressing my deepest gratitude to Almighty Allah, for His continuous mercy, guidance, and abundant blessings. It is only by His grace that we are all here today, with an open heart and an unwavering commitment to serving this great community. May Allah continue to guide and protect us all as we work towards a better future.

"I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to our revered Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, the Party Leaders, and the Traditional Chiefs, who have been pillars of support throughout my journey. Your presence here today and your guidance throughout my life have been invaluable. I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement, wisdom, and direction you have provided me. I salute your dedication to our community.

"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my esteemed motivational speakers who have been pivotal to the success of this program. Mayor Deen Sanwoola, Ms Grace Amah Poise, Associate Professor Abiodun Fatai Abatan , Azeez Lamina, and Dr. Adeleke Dankuwo, your dedication, leadership, and invaluable contributions have made this event possible.

"This is incomplete without the recognition of my dear mother, who has been a pillar of strength and prayer in my life, my late father, whose values and teachings continue to inspire me, and my children I honour you deeply. I am also deeply grateful to Chief Tajudeen Alade Onasanya and Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, whose mentorship and nurturing have been pivotal in shaping the person I am today. You have instilled in me the values of integrity, service, and dedication.

"As we gather here today, we come together to discuss one of the most important topics facing our country today and this centers on Skill Acquisition. Skill acquisition is not just a necessity but a key factor in driving economic development. It is through the empowerment of our youth and the equipping of our people with the skills they need that we can build a sustainable and prosperous future.

"Nigeria, as one of Africa’s largest economies, faces both significant opportunities and challenges in its quest for sustained economic growth and development. Among the most crucial factors for enhancing Nigeria’s economic trajectory is the empowerment of its human capital. This is where the concept of Skill Up (a comprehensive approach to building and enhancing skills) becomes indispensable. Skill Up, in the context of Nigeria’s economy, involves empowering individuals with both vocational and technical skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and soft skills that match the ever-evolving demands of the labour market. By focusing on education and skill development, Nigeria can harness its youthful population, create job opportunities, reduce poverty, and ultimately drive sustainable economic growth.

"In commemoration of my 51st birthday, I launch the skill up program to equip our youth with the skills necessary to thrive in this ever-evolving world. This initiative will provide training in various fields, ranging from Beading Embellishment on cloth, event decoration, creative design and branding, soap making etc. By ensuring that our people are empowered and equipped with the tools to succeed, we will foster a generation that is self-reliant and capable of driving economic growth.

"Unemployment and underemployment are key drivers of poverty in Nigeria. A significant portion of the population lacks access to formal education, leaving them vulnerable to poverty. By focusing on skill development, especially in areas where Nigeria has a comparative advantage (such as agriculture and digital technology), people can learn practical skills that increase their employability. Additionally, some can even create their own businesses, directly tackling the issue of poverty by generating sustainable income sources for themselves and others.

"By enabling our youth to acquire marketable skills, we are helping them to become agents of change in their own lives and in society at large. As we invest in their growth, we are also investing in the future prosperity of our nation. This initiative will lay the foundation for a new generation of innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs who will drive economic progress and inspire others to follow in their footsteps."

Seidu further used the opportunity to appeal passionately to the people of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, on the coming Local Government Elections. He said: "It is no longer news that I aspire for the position of Chairmanship of Igbogbo/ Baiyeku LCDA, I humbly seek your support in bringing this vision to life. My dream is not merely to serve as your chairman but to serve with a genuine desire to uplift our community. As I seek the honour of serving as the Chairman of our great Local Council Development Area, I do so with a deep sense of responsibility and a heartfelt commitment to the well-being of every resident in Igbogbo/ Baiyeku. My desire to serve is driven more than just the ambition to hold a title. It is motivated by the genuine aspiration to bring about transformative change in our community.

"As we approach the upcoming elections, I ask for your support, not just for me, but for the future of our community. Let us come together and make a lasting impact on the lives of our children, our youth, and the generations to come. Together, we can transform Igbogbo/ Baiyeku into a community that thrives on the strength of its people, the resilience of its leaders, and the power of skill acquisition," Seidu concluded.

While thanking the attended guests, who despite their tight schedule, attended the program, Seidu said, "I felt so honoured with the presence of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Builder Olusesan Daini, Chairman Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Basorun Basorun Babatunde Rotinwa, former H.O.S, Dr. Kazeem Ogbara, Asoju-Oba of Ikorodu, Mayor Muhydeen Sanwoola, DG iCARE Foundation and SSA to the Governor, who came in two capacities, for himself and Rep. Babajimi Benson MHR, my father, Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, Odofin of Igbogbo, Dr. Adeleke Dankuwo, President Igbogbo Youth Coalition, Mr Enitan Olukotun, Comfort Olafare, who represented the DoingGood Senator, and other traditional Chiefs, at my Skill Up Igbogbo Graduation Ceremony, to commemorate my Birthday. I'll forever remain grateful to you all.

"My friends and political Associates, Alejo, Japheth, Jokotex, Osho, Okemati, Jendo, Seere, Ayanilowo, Akuru, Tope Sunmola, Kafilat, Afolayan, Deji, Habeeb, Olomu, Otunba Lekan, Hajarat, my Polaris Bank Account Officer, Ridwan of NYCN, amongst others, I thank you all for your presence. Pastor Tosin Kuti, Apostle Lekan Lucas, Alhaji Aremo of Lagos, Mr and Mrs Lekan Lawal, Barrister Leke Aroyewun, my lovely Children, Eniola and friends and all the Skill Up Igbogbo Participants, E se, mo dupe pupo.

"To my constituency, Kunle Adelabu of Impact Newspaper, Ibile TV, Damola of Starlight Newspaper, Ascom Media, Royal Light Media and other members of Community Media Practitioners, COMPAS, Lagos State. I thank you so much for your presence."

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