In a bid to reduce youth unemployment and promote self-reliance, Kakalistiq.com reports that Hon. Sulaimon Adebola Poi, Councillor representing Ward M1 (Odomola, Odo-Egiri, and Iraiye), empowered 10 vocational trainees with startup equipment on Monday, May 5, 2025, at a ceremony held in Eredo LCDA. The initiative, in partnership with Project 21 Global Limited, followed a successful vocational training program at the Lagos State Vocational Training Center in Igbo-Oye.
The beneficiaries, four from Odomola and three each from Odo-Egiri and Iraiye, completed training in various trades including tailoring, barbering, hairdressing, and cosmetology. Tools and equipment were distributed to support their entrepreneurial journeys.
Representing the Eredo LCDA Chairman, Hon. Ismail Akinloye, Mr. Ismail Olabode praised the initiative, calling it forward-thinking and impactful.
“By equipping our youths and residents with practical knowledge and marketable skills, we are empowering them to become self-reliant, productive and contribute to our local economy,” he said.
He commended Hon. Sulaimon and his supporters, urging party loyalists to stand firm as pillars of growth and development within the community.
In his keynote address, Hon. Sulaimon shared that the idea for the program emerged during his birth month, inspired by Barrister Olayinka Oladunjoye, the Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State at the National Population Commission. The initiative was first floated on the Eredo Progressives WhatsApp platform and swiftly gained traction.
“The secret to the success of this initiative is not far-fetched; it was inspired by the support of my leader and benefactor, Princess Aderemi Adebowale. I believe with the support of my boss, the Eredo chairman, Hon. Ismail Akinloye, my aim has come to reality,” he said.
While noting that a few trainees dropped out, the councillor encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the tools and avoid selling them off. He emphasized the importance of parental guidance and pledged that the empowerment program would continue annually.
“I try to encourage the youth of my wards not to just be a lady or any how street boy, but for them to be good ambassadors. They shouldn’t sell the tools given to them; they should make sure they are used for their betterment. I believe that in the next edition, beneficiaries of this program will be more than 10,” he said during an interview.
He also announced his intention to seek re-election, promising increased impact and legislative dividends in a future term.
Alhaji W. Taiwo, former Eredo LCDA Vice-Chairman, encouraged the trainees to be responsible and serve as role models. “The people in the community are watching. This gesture represents true dividends of democracy,” he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the Omola of Odomola, the Aro of Odomola Kingdom acknowledged the significance of combining vocational training with tangible tools. He urged beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously.
Other dignitaries present included High Chief Agbon of Odomola, High Chief Olisa of Odomola, representatives of HRM Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo, Hon. Yakub Akingbade (Eredo LCDA CDC Chairman), Madam Adesola Yusuf (Iya Oropo), local religious leaders, and the Ileri-Oluwa Ladies group.
Ward M1 Chairman, Hon. Adewale Balogun, encouraged the beneficiaries to be creative and maximize the support provided.
In a show of appreciation, the newly equipped trainees expressed gratitude to the lawmaker and vowed to put their skills and equipment to good use in building sustainable livelihoods.
