By Tomi Lala
In a bid to reduce unemployment rate in states and the Nation as a whole, Project Youth Spark, presented awards, grants and certificates to over 80 Youths after its month empowerment training program.
The Students received their certificates, Awards and grants at the grand finale ceremony on Friday, at Staff Development Center in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.
While speaking, Olufunmi Olaosun, the team lead of Project Youth spark, stated that the goal of the empowerment program is to curb unemployment rate in the country, because the government cannot provide job for all.
She, also acknowledged the participation of all students, for their endurance and the clear passion in them to attend Virtual classes, even in late night.
She said, “For one, this program again give me hope for Nigerian Youth, because I see the clear passion and in them coming to classes, because it was a virtual training. They spent their time, their data, sometimes into 9 or past 9pm in the night and they still showed up.Yes, some did it for some days, but we are very glad for the participation we see.
“The goal of this project was for, unemployment rate in Nigeria today, the statistics are alarming and we can’t all fold our hands and say we are waiting for the government because we are all the government.
“So in our own little way, in our own way of contribution, we thought to organize this skills training,so that the young people who will participate, will be equipped in such a way that at the end of the training, they will be able to make things, get things done for themselves.
“Those that have businesses, we supported some of them to continue their businesses and to strengthen their businesses, some we give them internships, and the others that may not have gotten stuff, the skills that they have been taught, it is our goal that by the time, in the next few months, in the next few years, because we will be following up on them, they would have actually gotten started with something, using the skill that they’ve learnt.
She continued by explaining the criteria used in giving grants and awards to some of the participants.
“For the best students, we have a very structured program, we have teams working on different things, so we had our students assessment and again we uses different assessment, we used participation, we used engagement, we had assignment,we gave them group project, so it was a rigorous program.
“Those that won business grants, at some point, we asked them to send their business ideas, we had the panel of judges to see some of them put the ideas and at the end of it, we are able to put these together and come up with overall best students.
“When we put out this call, we had about 300, but we couldn’t take everybody, so there are opportunities like that, like individual who are willing to give back, so go for such opportunities and when you have access, do not take it for granted but full advantage of it”, she added.
In his goodwill message,Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Hon. Bayo Ogungbangbe commended Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state for creating an environment in which youths can thrive.
“Our Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has greatly emphasized the importance of creating an environment where our youths can thrive. These acquisition is dedicated to firstly inclusive policies that empower young people to take charge of their destiny.
“We recognize that this empowerment is not a merely program, it is a movement, a movement that expands our collective action, innovative, thinking and commitment. During this initiative, you have been equiped with critical skills, knowledge and the network of great minds who showed you to progress.
“Remember, knowledge is power but it is the application if that knowledge that will transform your community. As you step away from this program,I urge you to maintain the connections you have made, to collaborate and to uplift one another, and to engage in your communities, advocate for issues that matter most.
“This accomplishment should serve as a stepping stone for tomorrow’s ambition.
“I want to thank our facilitators, mentors and all the stakeholders who contributed their time and resources to ensure the success of ProjectYouth Spark. Your unwavering support and dedication to the cause of youth empowerment are commendable”, he noted.
He, however advised youths not to take the trainings for granted, but to make good use of it to their own advantage.
“I encourage our vibrant youths to seize this opportunity and embrace themselves as agent of change,your voices matter and your actions will shape the future of Osun state and beyond. Together let us forge a path towards progress, resilience and a brighter tomorrow. May the spirit of empowerment continue to guide you”, he added.
A double prize Winner, Funmilayo Lawal who got 700,000 Grant for good participation and 50,000 for being the most punctual _student, expressed her happiness by thanking the organizers for giving her the privilege.
“I’m so happy and grateful,I’m grateful to the organizers. I’ve actually learnt alot, from this program. I can say it’s part of the things that I learnt that actually make me to go this far.
“They really taught us a lot of things and as I said, I’m a fashion designer, I presented my business, I want to go into ready-to-wear, which I did presentation on it. Thank you so much, School of Governance, may God continue to help you”, She prayed.
In an interview with newsmen, Adedeji Oluwaseyi who is also a double prize winner said he is impressed and encouraged.
“A part of me came prepared for this award, even though I wasn’t part of the organizers but I came prepared and encouraged. I just believe in getting ready every time.
“The classes we took for 3 weeks, were so rich, and it has really helped us all lot”, he said.
