More than 1,200 youths across Delta State have graduated from a landmark empowerment initiative designed to foster self-reliance, enhance skills, and drive economic sustainability.
The program, being implemented across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, seeks to equip young people, particularly women and vulnerable groups with practical vocational and digital skills to enhance their entrepreneurial potential.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the OVL foundation, Omobolanle Victor Laniyan, the Delta State edition of the program provided intensive training in a range of high-demand areas, including vocational trades, digital literacy, soap making, paint production, catering, makeup artistry, and Gele tying.
Citing partnerships as an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals, Omobolanle disclosed that the aim of the 9ja Youth Drive initiative is to empower youths through training on various vocational skills which will go a long way to impact their lives positively.
Others who spoke including the Chairman of OVL Foundation, Victor Laniyan, representative of the Diocese of Asaba Agape Foundation, Ven. Chukwudi and CEO of Kings and Queens Foundation, Ambassador Blessing Esemuede lauded the Sponsors of the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the knowledge acquired as well as the starter packs given to them.
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Key highlight of the event was a talent and innovation showcase, during which participants competed in various categories.
Group 8 emerged as the overall winner, clinching a ₦1 million cash prize to support the launch of their business venture and in addition to the competition, all graduates received starter packs, certificates of completion, and awards for outstanding performance in their respective skills.
Winners of the cash prize expressed gratitude to the organizers of the initiative saying the tech skills acquired will better improve their lives.
