The National Orientation Agency (NOA), under the leadership of Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu haa empowered dozens of citizens of Kwara State with practical skills to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities.
The event which was held at the Government Banquet Hall, Ilorin was designed to meaningfully engage youths and steer them away from idleness that can lead to social vices.
Reresented by the director of Abuse, Rights and Narcotics, Mrs. Theresa Maduekwe, the NOA director general, Mal Lanre Issa-Onilu, charged the beneficiaries to leverage the opportunity for change.
He urged them to shun drug abuse and other deviant behaviours that harm both individuals and society.
“Every person under the influence of drugs is more likely to engage in violence, theft, and other vices that disrupt our communal peace,” he stated.
He highlighted the purpose of the training and encouraged participants to be fully engaged to gain the maximum lifelong benefit.
The state director of NOA, Alh Dare Abdulganiyu, praised the vision of Issa- Onilu to eradicate social vices by empowering youth with marketable skills, noting that: “This initiative is a direct investment in our people and our future,” he said.
The programme featured intensive training in soap making, perfume production, bleach formulation, and barbing.
Abdulganiyu confirmed that every graduate received a starter pack for their chosen skill, courtesy of the director general, to help them launch their businesses immediately.
The initiative received strong community endorsement from the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU)as its vice president, Alh AbdulRauf Issa-Onilu, educated participants and commended NOA for the timely intervention.
He noted that providing both entrepreneurship training and the essential tools would enable the new entrepreneurs contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
Over 40 beneficiaries completed the training and were rewarded with starter packs and financial support to start their businesses.
