…Commends Aiyedatiwa for sustaining LCDA structure

True leadership is fundamentally about empowering others and creating an environment where individuals can thrive. It entails recognising the strengths of others and helping them achieve global success by nurturing their gifts and talents.

This leadership mindset sets Hon. Adeleye Oluwadamilare, Vice Chairman of Oyemekun LCDA in Ondo State, apart from his peers. As a leader and young grassroots politician, Adeleye believes that everyone should be equipped with practical skills education—beyond formal learning—to meet global demands.

Over the years, Hon. Adeleye has consistently championed skills empowerment within the Local Council Development Area. As Vice Chairman, he has facilitated various high-impact skills and empowerment programmes for youths and students in Ondo State, with the aim of promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

The Adeleye Foundation, in collaboration with Skill-A-Youth and other relevant stakeholders, has trained and empowered over 1,000 Ondo youths and students in high-value skills such as tailoring, car tracking, and ICT.

Notably, a recent shoe-making training programme for students of Omoluorogbo Grammar School, Akure, recorded huge success.

The three-day intensive training focused on shoe-making techniques and entrepreneurship education, aimed at transforming students into purpose-driven individuals who understand the power of education and skill acquisition.

Recognising the importance of skills in boosting future employability and contributing to economic growth, the programme grouped students into teams to enhance participation.

The first and second days of the training were structured to expose students to the tools used in shoe-making, and guide them through practical stages of the craft. The students of Omoluorogbo Grammar School received hands-on lessons from seasoned instructors.

The highlight of the skills training camp was the presence of distinguished personalities who gave goodwill messages. The Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, commended Adeleye for the initiative, noting that it would have a lasting impact on the students.

Guest speaker, Prof. Josiah Babalola of the Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, spoke extensively on the theme of the training—Advancing Education and Skills Development among Youths and Students in Nigeria. He urged the students to combine education with skills acquisition to achieve financial independence.

Mrs Orimaye Ronke, Principal of Omoluorogbo Grammar School, lauded Oyemekun LCDA for providing students with a lifetime opportunity to learn from experts. She described the programme as one that would undoubtedly shape the lives of the participants.

Adeleye appreciated the Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for sustaining the Local Council Development Areas in Ondo State. He described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a lover of democracy and grassroots development.

According to him, “What we have done today is to encourage young persons to embrace marketable skills as the market space becomes more competitive. We will continue to engage these students in practical training to ensure they become the drivers and movers of our economy.”

Adeleye also donated writing materials to the students and encouraged them to remain focused on their education.