Ondo state Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, has advised Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship and skill acquisition in order to be self reliant.
Adelami gave the counsel in Owo on Sunday, at an interactive session with the youths of St Andrew’s Anglican cathedral Owo, organized by the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Church.
Giving his opening remarks, the Deputy Governor said, “the essence of this gathering is for our young people to listen and interact with their peers who are successful in their trade”
He reiterated that entrepreneurship is a major solution to unemployment in the country, charging the youths to learn one skill or another to enable them stand on their own.
“You will agree with me that it may be impossible for every graduate to get a white-collar job. I urge you to take advantage of every empowerment and training initiated by government or the private sector. So you can also be employers of labour” Adelami admonished.
To motivate the youths and give them a foundational support, the Deputy Governor announced a grant of N2.5m for 10 people who are willing to undertake training in any field of their choosing and complete it successfully.
Speaking at the event, the founder of Ilaje Fish Market in Akure, Orioye Gbayisemore, said being a successful entrepreneur requires focus, resilience, value proposition and integrity.
Gbayisemore, who recalled his entrepreneurship journey, urged the youths not to be discouraged at take-off, saying “there will be light at the end of the tunnel”
Another resource person, who is a computer scientist, Ope Morakinyo, spoke about access to useful information and resources.
He added that the Internet is an open space for anyone willing to acquire more skills in any field.
The Anglican Bishop of Owo diocese, Rt Rev’d Stephen Fagbemi, thanked the deputy governor for his support and for taking up the challenge of organizing the program for youths of the church.
John Paul Akinduro,
Spokesperson to Ondo State Deputy Governor
June 17, 2024