The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has pledged that his administration is determined to equip young people in the state with major skills required to survive in today’s world.
He made this commitment on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Ondo State Skill Enterprise Development Centre, located along Oda Road in Akure, in commemoration of the 2025 World Youth Skills Day, themed “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the Centre was established to provide a platform for young people in the state to sharpen existing skills and acquire new ones that can guarantee self-reliance and economic productivity.
“Youths are the backbone of any society. For any government to succeed, the development of young people must be at the core of its plans.
“We understand the limitations of government in providing white-collar jobs for everyone, and that is why we have created this centre to ensure that our youths are not idle, but engaged in learning profitable skills that will change their lives”, he said.
He noted that although the World Youth Skills Day is officially marked on July 15 every year, the event in the state was moved to July 16 due to the nationwide public holiday.
The Governor described the newly commissioned facility as a practical response to the rising rate of unemployment and youth idleness, stressing that skill acquisition remains a critical solution to these challenges.
“This is a workshop for empowerment a place where dreams can be built through skills. With this Centre in place, no youth should be found roaming the streets or engaging in criminal activities. We have provided the tools; it is now time for our young people to use them,” he said.
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 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.
Also speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Ayodele Adebayo, who represented the Local Government Chairman, Gbenga Fasua, encouraged skilled youths and artisans to make use of the centre to improve their craft and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
On his part, the new Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Omoyofunmi Segun Henry, expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for consistently placing youth issues at the heart of his administration’s policies.