By Feyisetan Hamzat, Ibadan
The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, the Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, has called on all affiliate clubs under CCII to patronize the Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Centre for vocational training and empowerment programmes.
Chief Ajewole made the call during the November General Assembly Meeting of CCII held recently at Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo. He commended the initiative as a major step toward strengthening the economic capacity of Ibadan indigenes through skill acquisition and self-reliance.
According to him, the Entrepreneurship Centre — commissioned earlier this year — offers free training to applicants in various vocational fields, including catering, leatherwork, soap making, batik and tie-dye production, fashion designing, hairdressing, and other practical skills.
Speaking on the progress of the programme, Dr. Kola Lawal, Chairman of the Committee overseeing the Centre, disclosed that about 274 trainees are currently enrolled and expected to graduate in December.
In a major development, it was also announced that the Abiola Ajimobi First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan will issue Artisan Certificates to successful trainees of the Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Centre — an initiative designed to formally recognize their skills and enhance their employment prospects.
Chief Ajewole further appealed for support to empower deserving graduates after their training, noting that true empowerment extends beyond skill acquisition. He urged all affiliate clubs, well-meaning Nigerians, and corporate organizations to contribute toward equipping the trainees with startup resources that will help them establish their own businesses.
> “Empowering our people through vocational education is the surest path to community development and economic sustainability,” he added.
The Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Centre continues to serve as a beacon of hope for young and adult Ibadan indigenes, creating a bridge between learning and livelihood.
