The AbikeAmosun Foundation conducted a comprehensive youth empowerment programme on December 11, 2024, providing over 500 local youths with critical business and vocational skills.
Held at the New Gbadebo Omidokun Hall in Yewa North Local Government, the one-day event offered training in multiple skill areas, including shoemaking, bag production, catering, event management, decoration, graphics design, and fashion design.
Founder Toluwalope Abike Amosun delivered a passionate address, reflecting on her decade-long commercial banking experience and commitment to community development. She explained that her foundation was established in 2018 with a clear mission to support and empower rural communities through skills training and practical workshops. She highlighted the programme’s primary objective of equipping young people with entrepreneurial capabilities. “Our goal is to transform skills into sustainable businesses,” Amosun told attendees.
Speaking to the assembled youths, Amosun reportedly shared her vision of transforming business ideas into sustainable enterprises.
“Today, I am excited to launch the “Idea to Business” community outreach programme, designed to provide training and support to community members in developing their business ideas into sustainable enterprises. With the support of facilitators and initial start-up capital, we aim to empower community members with the skills and resources needed to succeed in business,” she stated.
She emphasised the importance of community engagement, stating that “if leadership and businesses must get it right, the community or followers or employees must be engaged right.”
Key programme highlights included training sessions across seven different vocational disciplines, business development workshops, start-up grants awarded to 15 participants, and mentorship opportunities for over 100 youths
Amosun drew from her extensive background in commercial banking, having worked across sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, education, and logistics. She articulated a personal mission to use her expertise in business and theatre to drive community engagement initiatives.
“In 2018, I registered my foundation, dedicated to providing support and empowerment to rural communities. Through this platform, I have been able to impact useful skills through workshops and practical sessions, providing sellable skills that can generate income for community members.”
Fifteen participants received direct start-up grants, while over 100 were offered mentorship support. The event also featured performances by local artists and began with the national and Yewa anthems.
Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, the AbikeAmosun Foundation continues to focus on community development projects spanning education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Amosun challenged participants to work together to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
The event concluded with participants expressing optimism about their enhanced skills and potential business prospects.
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