In a bid to hit the ground running, the newly appointed Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebayo Adebowale Falana, conducted an inspection tour of the agency’s vocational centers on Wednesday to assess their needs firsthand.
Adebowale visited the Ibadan Youth Center in Ososami and the International Youth Year Village in Ajoda, Egbeda local government area of Oyo State.
The oversight visit was conducted by the Chairman along with the agency’s top officers and staff members.
During the inspection tour at the Ososami Vocational Training and Entrepreneur Centers, Prince Adebowale expressed concern over the state of the center, which is meant to serve three functions: a vocational training hall, a boxing training hall, and a hobby craft hall. He assured that the center would be revived to its former glory.
Evaluating the authenticity of the learning centers, he stated that they will be remodeled to meet modern standards for youth training.
He assured that the necessary materials would be adequately provided to ensure effective operation, contributing to youth development.
Reflecting on the history of the International Youth Year Village located in Ajoda, Egbeda, he noted that it was established in 1980 by Olabisi Onabanjo to compensate the Oyo State government, which was then controlled by the UPN party.
Originally meant for internally displaced persons, the center’s name was changed to International Youth Year during Ibrahim Babangida’s regime in 1985.
The center has 20 chalets of three-bedroom flats each, with 11 chalets currently functioning.
A large hall called Layi Balogun Hall, now in dilapidated condition, was initially used for indoor games.
The general kitchen and automobile centers will be revitalized for participant training.
He advocated for more skills acquisition centers to help local residents, especially the youth, become self-reliant.
Falana assured the residents and youth of a workable partnership model between the government and the community, based on mutual trust, which will aid in the swift development of the centers.
Speaking with newsmen during the tour, Hon. Adebayo Adebowale emphasized that this development will secure the future of the youth, enabling them to earn sustainable incomes and acquire life skills, even if they do not further their education.
The skills acquired will go beyond literacy and numeracy, making them self-reliant.
He assured Oyo State residents that these areas would be revamped under the sustainable legacy of His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE, prioritizing these centers in due course.
