By Precious Oluwole
In a move aimed at tackling youth unemployment and empowering young people with lifelong vocational opportunities, the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has officially commissioned a Youth Skills Application Centre in celebration of World Youth Skills Day, themed “Youth Empowerment Through AI And Digital Skills”.
The event, held on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, was in commemoration of the annual United Nations-recognized World Youth Skills Day, which falls on July 15. Due to the public holiday observed on Monday, the state shifted the celebration to the following day to ensure proper recognition of the day’s significance.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the growing importance of skill acquisition among the youth, noting that the increasing population of young people and the limited availability of white-collar jobs have made technical and vocational training a necessity.
“One of the major problems facing youth across the world today is unemployment. Our universities are producing thousands of graduates every year, but there are no industries to absorb all of them. This situation calls for urgent intervention.”
The newly established Skills Centre will serve as a training hub for young people across the state to learn trades and entrepreneurial skills that will help them become self-reliant and employers of labor in the long run.
“Because of unemployment, some of our youth fall into criminal activities and other vices. But we have created this centre so you will not be idle. This place is your workshop. Learn a skill, earn a living, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
He also highlighted success stories of individuals who turned their lives around through skills acquisition, including the Vice Chairman of Akure South, who leveraged his trade experience before venturing into politics and using his craft to support his family and train others.
While congratulating the youth of Ondo State, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, stressing that skill acquisition is no longer optional but essential for building a sustainable future.
“This is a place where you can come to be equipped. Let this centre be a turning point for many of you,” he concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, said the centre represents a practical commitment to youth welfare and a bold step toward tackling unemployment in the state. He praised the Governor for his foresight and unwavering support for youth-related initiatives.
Gbayisemore also announced that the government would provide transport allowances for participants, as a way of encouraging more youths to attend training and remain consistent throughout their skill acquisition journey.
“This is not just about building a Centre, it’s about removing barriers that may stop our young people from showing up. With transport support in place, we are making it easier for them to come, learn, and build a better future,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, who was represented by his Vice, Mr Ayodele Adebayo, who is a professional fashion designer highlighted the vital role skill acquisition plays in driving productivity and economic growth. He described the centre as a potential game-changer that would provide skilled workers with opportunities to enhance their craft and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
He commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership and investment in human capital, particularly in the area of vocational empowerment. Emphasizing the long-term benefits of such initiatives, he called on artisans, skilled workers, and business-minded individuals to make the most of the training and resources offered at the centre. He expressed optimism that with collective effort, Ondaatema could become a hub of innovation, creativity, and economic prosperity.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi appreciated the Governor for his passion towards the development of the youths in the State. He assured the Governor that the youths are solidly behind him.
One of the youths, Yusuf Omosola appreciated the Governor for not leaving the youths out in his government. He noted that they would not take the good gestures of the Governor for granted and woke make good use of the skills center.
In attendance were; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social investment program, Barr Felix Alonge, Permanent Secretary, Multilateral youth group, Mrs Yemi Pirisola, Artisans, youths from different groups.
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