Ojo lawmaker sets up world-class skills centre, inspires youth toward entrepreneurship

By Michael Olumide

Ojo Federal Constituency lawmaker, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, has established a world-class skills acquisition centre aimed at empowering young people and inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurship in the community.

The centre, equipped with 60 tailoring machines as well as facilities for body massage, hairdressing, catering, and other vocational training, is located in the Era-Ojo area.

The initiative will provide training in computer hardware/GSM repair, garment making, and digital skills for girls in public secondary schools.

Others include beauty and cosmetology, agro-processing and modern farming, mechanical and construction-related trades, and financial literacy.

“But more than teaching skills, we want to help our participants transform their training into real businesses through mentorship, guidance, and continuous support,” he said.

The programme, championed by Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, is part of efforts to bolster youth capacity building.

The project is a continuation of the Ojo Girls in STEM 2.0 initiative held last year to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, with a focus on capacity building for teenage girls.

The STEM career pathway, a Federal Ministry of Education programme, is designed to equip people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.

Participants will receive monthly stipends for six months, hands-on training, recognised certifications, starter packs upon graduation, and access to grants and business loans.

Speaking at the event, which was attended by party faithful, community leaders, students, and women, Hon. Sowunmi said his vision to make Ojo an entrepreneurial hub is becoming a reality.

The lawmaker, known for his passion for empowerment, described skill acquisition as a powerful tool against poverty and urged youths to take advantage of the opportunity to become self-reliant.

He said:

“Today, we begin a programme that puts our people at the centre.
It is about your growth, your empowerment, your opportunities.

“The Ojo Skills Acquisition and Capacity Building Programme is not just another initiative; it is a seed we are planting for a stronger and more prosperous Ojo.

“Ojo is a constituency blessed with vibrant markets, brilliant youths, creative artisans, determined women, and hardworking residents. But many still struggle with unemployment, underemployment, and lack of access to opportunities.

“We all know young people in Iba, Okokomaiko, Ijanikin, Ojo Town, Alaba, Agbara axis, and many other communities within our constituency who have the passion to succeed but lack the platform.

“That is why we are here today – to give our people the platform they deserve.

“The truth is simple: the world no longer rewards certificates alone.
The world rewards skills, innovation, creativity, and competence.

“A degree opens the door,
but skills build the house.

“In a constituency as entrepreneurial as Ojo, with places like Alaba International Market—one of the biggest electronics markets in Africa—where entrepreneurial skills drive success, this simply means skills are not optional.

“They are survival. They are power.
They are wealth.”

He added that from tech skills to electrical work, from fashion to beauty, from welding to catering, and from digital marketing to garment making, skilled people are the true drivers of the economy.

“It is our vision to turn Ojo into a hub of skilled, employable, and self-reliant individuals.

“A constituency where our young people do not wait endlessly for government jobs.

“A constituency where women can start small businesses that support their families.

“A constituency where talent is matched with training.

“A constituency where your hands and your creativity can feed you—with or without a certificate.”

Recall that the lawmaker had earlier empowered no fewer than 100 persons with Point of Sale (POS) machines to support small businesses and provide sustainable income.