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… Empowering Youth Through Practical Skill Development
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – The School of Entrepreneurship Development Centre of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, recently organized a certificate award ceremony to honor participants who successfully completed a six-week intensive practical training programme in various vocational skills.
According to a press statement released by Mrs. Oyekemi Wilson, Head of the Public Relations Unit of the institution – Nigeria’s oldest and the foremost agricultural college in West Africa – the training covered four major vocational skill areas: Barbing, Hairdressing, Phone Repair, and Make-up Artistry.
A total of eight participants graduated from the programme. Of these, two trainees completed the Barbing skills acquisition; two were certified in Phone Repairs, three in Hairdressing, and one in Make-up Artistry.
The initiative reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship and youth empowerment by equipping participants with hands-on skills that promote self-reliance and employment creation.
In his opening remarks, the Provost of the College, Prof. J.J. Atungwu, ably represented by Engr. (Dr.) Adejumo (Deputy Provost, Administration), congratulated the participants for their perseverance and dedication.
He commended them for being found worthy in both character and learning, emphasizing that no knowledge is ever wasted.
Dr. Adejumo noted that the certificate of the College is highly valued and could open doors of opportunity when they venture into their respective businesses.
He urged the qualified trainees to uphold good conduct and integrity wherever they find themselves.
The Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Sodamola, in her welcome address, expressed appreciation to the participants for their commitment, dedication, and doggedness throughout the six weeks’ training, which marks the first edition of the College’s entrepreneurship training programme.
Dr. (Mrs.) Sodamola commended the current trainee group, for showing remarkable initiatives by providing their own start-up kits without external or government support – a gesture that reflects their careful consideration and readiness to practice what they have learnt.
She then encouraged the participants to return for further guidance whenever the need arises, to sharpen their skills, acknowledging that six weeks might not be enough to master every aspect of their chosen vocations.
Dr. Sodamola on behalf of the College Provost, Prof. Atungwu, appreciated the College Management for keeping the training affordable – with participants paying a token.
She eulogized the instructors for their assiduous efforts in imparting practical knowledge on all trainees, while expressing her desire for the College to continue organizing such programmes on a regular basis, with the hope that all participants will keep the great flag flying, in their chosen vocation.
The newly qualified trainees expressed their profound gratitude to the College leadership for the rare opportunity to acquire hands-on vocational skills and praised their Instructors for their professionalism and impactful teachings.
In their remarks, the Instructors appealed to the College to sustain and expand the entrepreneurship training programme, noting that it has the potential to empower individuals, support community development, and generate additional income for all and sundry.
The management reaffirmed that such programmes will continue to complement the institution’s academic mandate of fostering innovation and practical knowledge in agriculture and related vocations.
Observers of the scene were of the opinion that the ceremony once again underscored the College’s commitment to empowering not just students, but also the community and the nation at large – beyond the field of agriculture.
