In a bold move aimed at tackling youth unemployment and enhancing vocational capacity among young Nigerians, the Office of the Alaafin of Oyo has unveiled a major empowerment initiative in partnership with the Next Up Naija Empowerment Programme. The intervention, which targets 2,000 youths across Oyo communities, will offer intensive vocational training and skill acquisition opportunities over the span of one month.
The announcement was made through a public statement released in Ibadan on Saturday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye. According to the statement, the programme will run from April 28 to May 28, 2025, and will be hosted within the historic premises of the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo town.
The initiative is designed to provide hands-on training in a wide range of income-generating vocations, including hairdressing, barbing, spa management, cream and soap production, make-up artistry, catering, pastry making, shoemaking, professional driving, tailoring, and private security services. Participants will be drawn from different parts of Oyo and surrounding communities, with the goal of equipping them with the skills needed to become self-reliant and economically productive.
Speaking on the essence of the initiative, the Alaafin, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Owoade, emphasized the need to invest in the younger generation, describing them as the cornerstone of national progress and development. He noted that any nation hoping to chart a course for meaningful advancement must prioritize the intellectual, moral, and entrepreneurial growth of its youth population.
“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the assets of today. If properly harnessed, their energy and creativity can transform communities, drive innovation, and strengthen our local economies,” the monarch stated.
He further noted that beyond personal growth, entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in national economic transformation. According to him, empowering youths with practical skills will not only reduce unemployment but also boost domestic production, lower reliance on imported goods, and reduce the country’s trade deficits.
Oba Owoade also expressed his unwavering commitment to youth development and reiterated that the empowerment scheme is only one of many people-centered initiatives his reign intends to champion. He called on stakeholders in the public and private sectors to support similar initiatives that would uplift young Nigerians and strengthen the nation’s workforce.
The Alaafin’s latest intervention comes at a time when Nigeria continues to battle with high youth unemployment and underemployment rates. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), youths account for over 60% of Nigeria’s unemployed population, making targeted empowerment programmes like this critical to achieving inclusive economic development.
With 2,000 young people set to benefit from this training, the Alaafin’s palace is once again asserting itself not only as a seat of tradition and cultural heritage but also as a driver of sustainable grassroots development.
