A team from the state Legislature, led by Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, conducted an inspection tour on Thursday of the moribund International Youth Year Village (IYY) in Ajoda, Egbeda Local Government Area to assess the youth technical training facilities.
It should be recalled that the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development visited the center a week after his appointment.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Conference of Speakers, conducted a fact-finding mission to assess the facility’s condition and explore ways to revitalize it, as directed by His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, FNSE.
During the inspection, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin promised immediate resuscitation of the center by the State government, describing it as an asset to the Youth Constituency in terms of technical training.
He assured the Agency for Youth Chairman, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, of the government’s commitment to this cause.
He emphasized that the technical training provided by the youth center addresses the unemployment gap by offering specialized training that aligns with industry needs.
He noted that technical skills are in high demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, and stressed that the youth center requires a complete overhaul for renovation.
“This center is ideal for training in plumbing, welding, inverter acquisition, tailoring, and hairdressing, and serves as a practical training ground for theoretical professionals.
The village will host practical aspects aimed at building bridges for youth sustainability,” he said.
“It empowers the youth with the tools to turn their ideas into reality.
Reviving the moribund Youth facility will not only address the lack of materials and resources but will also create a conducive environment for the youth to learn, explore their interests, and ultimately contribute to the socio-economic growth of Oyo State.”
Reflecting on its history, Prince Adebowale stated that the International Youth Year Village in Ajoda, Egbeda, was established in 1980 by Olabisi Onabanjo to compensate the Oyo State government, which was then controlled by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
The speaker of the House was shown various facilities, including a series of chalets, the dilapidated Layi Balogun Hall, a general kitchen, dining area in poor condition, and automobile centers.
He was accompanied by the Lawmaker representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel.
While assuring residents of the youth center’s revamp, he highlighted that this initiative, under the sustainable legacy of His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, aims to promote technical training skills and set Oyo as a pacesetter to the world.
