Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, has reaffirmed the importance of vocational and technical skills acquisition as a key driver of youth confidence and economic prosperity in Pacesetter State.
He made this assertion on Tuesday at Ibadan Oluyole Hall, while addressing participants at the 5th edition of the Progressive Tradesmen and Artisans Association of Nigeria (PROTAAN) Youth Wing Summit, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme tagged “Building Confidence through Skills Acquisition” Falana stated that empowering young people with practical, employable skills remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing unemployment and driving inclusive development in Nigeria, where pacesetter states take the lead.
“Skills acquisition is more than just a means to earn a living; it is a tool for self-discovery, confidence-building, and national economic transformation. When young people are equipped with the right skills, they become job creators rather than job seekers,” he said.
The summit, a flagship event organized by PROTAAN Youth Wing, brought together artisans, vocational practitioners, industry leaders, and policymakers to engage in robust discussions around the future of Nigeria’s informal sector and the empowerment of tradespeople with inspiring grants.
Falana highlighted the efforts of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, through the Agency for Youth Development, in promoting skills training, entrepreneurship programmes, and partnerships with technical institutions.
He urged professional associations and community leaders to collaborate in supporting youth-focused training initiatives that align with current market demands.
“In Oyo State, we are not just training for the sake of it. We are building a generation that is confident, capable, and ready to compete in a global economy. And we believe tradesmen and artisans are key partners in this mission.”
“With this, the leadership of His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde has officially launched Oyo State Sub-national African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta) implementation strategy to further promote sales across Africa. Falana added.
In his own speech, the PROTAAN President Mogaji Salaudeen Kamorudeen commended the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development for giving the association uncommon privileges to have their days in government.
He, however applauded Her Excellency Engr Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde for empowering their members which has further sealed productive confidence in contributing their quota to the development of Pacesetter State.
Mogaji Salaudeen lauded the youth Wing Chairman, Dayo Adebisi for promoting the unity and progress of the association.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the PROTAAN Chairman, Youth Wing, Comrade Dayo Adebisi Man’D, praised the Oyo State government for its continued support of artisans and tradespeople.
He noted that the summit was a platform to elevate the role of skilled labor in national development, where the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development was key.
“Our members are not just workers; they are builders of the economy. Through summits like this, we advocate for recognition, policy reforms, and access to resources that enable us to thrive,” the chairman said.
The event featured breakout sessions, exhibitions, and training workshops focused on topics such as innovation in craftsmanship, access to financing, grants, apprenticeship systems, and digital tools for artisans.
As the summit concluded, stakeholders called for greater investment in vocational and skills acquisition, improved infrastructure for skills training, and stronger public-private partnerships to boost job creation and sustainable economic growth.
In the entourage of the Chairman were; the Coordinating Director, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo Idowu, the Director of Administration and General Service, Mr. Osungbaro Oluwaseye, as well as the department head, Youth Mobilization and Voluntary Organization, Mr. Oladoja Olayiwola Muyiwa, Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Engr. Afolabi Olufemi and the Private Secretary to the Chairman, Yisah Oladunni.
E-Signed:
Opeyemi Rasheed Socrates,
Head of Media Unit to the Chairman,
Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.
