Alhaji Fatai Ayoola, the Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, has emphasized that conventional education alone is insufficient to prepare children for the future. He urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to pursue vocational training alongside their formal education, given the current economic challenges.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday, Ayoola highlighted the importance of supporting children with talents in sports, music, fashion, and other vocations to help them hone their skills.
“While education remains essential, we must also guide the upcoming generation to combine it with vocational training,” Ayoola said. He noted that in his youth, children often attended workshops after school, but the opportunity to blend education with vocational training was lacking. Today, he believes both can be pursued simultaneously.
Ayoola cited the example of Gabby Thomas, an American athlete and Harvard graduate who won the 200-meter event at the last Olympics, illustrating how education and skill development can go hand-in-hand.
Recognizing the need for young people to multitask in today’s economy, Ayoola said the local council organized the 2024 Ajegunle Summer Camp in August to help children combine education with skill acquisition. The camp, held at Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, saw 350 children participating in various activities, including football, basketball, table tennis, and board games, keeping them engaged and out of trouble.
Looking ahead, Ayoola announced plans for another training program in October, the Ajeromi Ifelodun Youth Empowerment Summit 2024 (AJIF), which will cost N400 million. This initiative aims to train and empower thousands of unskilled youths over two months in 27 different vocations, including screen printing, car tracking, ICT, catering, fashion design, and more.
“We want to keep engaging our youths, giving them a sense of purpose, and helping them become better versions of themselves,” Ayoola stated.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth development, noting that about 5,000 youths have benefited from various vocational training programs organized by the council. The council is partnering with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, with instructors from their Skills Acquisition Centres leading the training. Upon completion, the Local Government will provide financial support to the participants, and 60 individuals will receive mini buses, tricycles, and motorcycles to help them start their entrepreneurial journeys.
