Former senate leader and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin has facilitated training and equipping of over 500 youths of Oyo Central on solar power installation and maintenance.
He also commissioned new ICT centres in two secondary schools in the state.
The empowerment training, which was facilitated by Senator Teslim Folarin was organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDM).
The 500 underwent one-month intensive training in Ibadan, Oyo and Ogbomoso zones of the state.
Speaking at a certification ceremony held at Jogor Event Centre Ibadan on Tuesday, Senator Folarin stated that over 500 youths have acquired life skills in solar and renewable energy installation, repairs and maintenance and will become self-reliant, employers of labour, which will go a long way in curbing youth restiveness and insecurity in the state.
“With the one-month intensive training, the beneficiaries are now able to design simple solar grids, install, maintain and repair SPV technologies and other renewable technologies and also be able trouble shoot and repair solar street lights amongst many other skills acquired”.
“I urge the beneficiaries form a Cooperative society while NCDMB should consider them for contracts. Also, there is need for NCDMB to create a database for proper monitoring and mentorship”.
The former Senate leader while thanking Engr. Simbi Wabote-led NCDMB for their cooperation and support over years, said over N500m was expended on training and equipping the youths.
“Each beneficiary received starter pack and toolbox. N60,000 out of N120,000 start-up capital have been paid to each participant during the training; they will receive alert of the balance immediately after ceremony”.
Meanwhile, the former federal lawmaker commissioned two new ICT centres at Community Secondary School, Badeku in Ona-Ara LGA and Iresaadu High School in Surulere LGA.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote represented by the Director Policy and Research Studies, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu said the programme is aimed at providing the youth means of livelihood. He commended the training initiative and Senator Folarin for his visionary leadership and for equipping his constituents with skills that is relevant to modern trend.
Management team of NCDMB present at the event included Mrs Angela Okoro, Mr. Adebayo Joseph, Chinedu Ihediani and others.
Senator Folarin has trained and empowered over 50,000 constituents in various skills, and also facilitated about 30 ICT centres.
