A Need To Acquire A Specific Training Skill-Baale Iyesi tells…
Lucky Akra
Chief Engineer Babatunde Olufemi Ahmed,a community leader and the Baale of Iyesi,Ota in Ogun State has said that there is a need for students to acquire specific training skills, alongside their education, as it will reduce unemployment and improve on their livelihood.
The Baale said this, over the weekend, at the presentation of ‘Certificate of Participation’ to over a hundred participants of the two weeks free skill aquisition program organised by him.The training started on Monday 17th of April to Friday 28th of April,2023.
Chief Engineer Babatunde Ahmed, fondly called Fobai, is diligent and committed to the welfare of his community members. This is why he took the initiative to organized this skill aquisition programme through his foundation called ‘Fobai Help Foundation’.
The programme attracted participants of different ethnic composition and from across the country.
Some of the skills taught at the vocational ground include Fashion Designing, Shoe making, Make up, Headgear tying, Hair dressing, etc.
The Baale advised the students to use these skills to generate income; admonishing them to start small, be focus and be committed to the knowledge they have acquired.
Speaking with our correspondent, One of the beneficiaries, a 32 years old Aseyori Success Dolapo, from Kogi State, who came all the way from Abuja to participate in the scheme said,
“One of my friends saw the post on Facebook and advised me to come, I came all the way from Abuja, for the first time to Ogun State. I know about make up and wanted to learn new skills in make up. This, I have achieved.”
She expressed appreciation to the Baale for giving her this opportunity and the introduction to the make up instructor, Aunty Tumise, for further learning.
Another beneficiary, Raji Olamilekan Bright who participated in the shoe and bag department thank God for using the Baale to provide an opportunity he had been looking for.
According to him,”I am the best student in my department and has achieved my dream. I therefore thank the Baale for creating this opportunity for me and I also thank my coordinator, Angel Dami for his moral support.”
Also speaking at the event, the Igwe of Iyesi Kingdom, Chief Dike Oyema said the skill aquisition was an interesting, educative and welcome event, initiated by the Baale.
Chief Dike said he was impressed by the turn out of people, especially those that came from other states to participate and benefit from the project.
He promised to support the project the next time the programme comes up. He further advised parents to release their children for such training rather than sit idly at home.
Finally, While noting the importance of Vocational training and skills development to easing unemployment in the society, Engineer Babatunde Ahmed,Baale of Iyesi Kingdom said,”it is education and training that equip individuals with the skill and knowledge necessary to perform specific jobs”.
According to him,another edition of the master class will come up during the next vacation in June, 2023, for three weeks.
He noted that “This is one project I will love to continue. Children, Youths, Adult and even house wives, security agents were all participants at the training”.
He called on Government, Organisations and Individuals, with means,to support this noble initiative, such that the training can accommodate more participants.
