A former Works Minister, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, on Saturday urged youths to acquire skills in order to tackle unemployment and economic hardships in the country.
Ogunlewe, said at the graduation ceremony of “Free Computer Training Programme’’, organised by Mr Olusola Sokunle, a lawmaker, PDP-Oshodi Isolo Constituency I, in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Ogunlewe noted that increasing rate of unemployment was a threat to the future, safety and security of the country, stressing that skills acquisition could be used to tackle the menace.
The youths of today do not need to concentrate only on formal education; you must be able to do something with your hands.
There is nothing you cannot become, if you know what are doing and where you are going; Youths can make billions of naira if they embrace entrepreneurial skills.
Most youths can become great, if they pursue their careers with proper planning, passion and focus’’.
According to him, many youths can also become successful as cooks, singers, computer experts, fashion designers and caterers.
Ogunlewe, however, warned them against negative influences from peer groups, urging them to use the skills for societal development.
In his remark, Sokunle said, “we are graduating no fewer than 130 students from our computer training institute that was established purposely for empowerment of the youths of Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1.
The computer training exercise is part of my mission to rebuild our teeming youths and the environment, such that Oshodi will be among the best areas in Lagos and the country.
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I understand the fact that political power is to be used for the benefit of the people because it is through the people that political elite gain power to develop the society.
I will continue to use education to rebuild the youths of Oshodi and also to position them in the right direction.
I will continue to do my best in developing our youths because they are leaders of today and tomorrow; an investment in the youths is an investment in the future of the nation’’.
Sokunle, then enjoined them to utilise the skilles they had acquired to be good ambassadors of Oshodi. “I urge you to use the skills to empower yourselves, family and society.
Use your skills to explore digital business, digital communication, online marketing, graphic designs and animation. The door of great opportunities will be opening to you”.
In her remarks, Mrs Amidat Anifowose, the Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District VI, said that skills acquisition would help youths to become self-reliant, as well as be employers of labour.
Unemployment has become one of the greatest challenges facing our nation today; most employers now believe in skills and not in certificate acquisition.
It is important to know that the government has done a lot to help the youths to be independent — employers of labour and not employees,’’ Anifowose said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Hosea Akhator, described the training as `an eye opener’.
According to him, the education will help to re-brand Oshodi youths as they are full of potential.
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