In a bid to promote transparency and accountability in vocational and entrepreneurship development, WADATA Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC), with support from the MacArthur Foundation, organized a town hall meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, held at The Bridge Hotel, brought together key stakeholders, including media professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders, to discuss challenges and opportunities for good governance and entrepreneurship development in the state.
In his welcome address, WAMAC’s Executive Director, Zubair Idris Abdurrauf, appreciated attendees for their commitment to transparency and accountability in Oyo State’s economic development.
Abdurrauf described the meeting as a crucial step towards fostering innovation and solving key challenges in the sector.
“Your presence here demonstrates your dedication to ensuring vocational and entrepreneurship development thrives on transparency and accountability
“Our theme, ‘Transparency and Accountability in Oyo State Vocational and Entrepreneurship Development,’ is both timely and critical.” He said.
Participants engaged in open discussions, shared best practices, and identified actionable strategies to drive positive change in Oyo’s entrepreneurship landscape.
Guest lecturer Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Adeleke emphasized the importance of skill acquisition for economic advancement.
Her words: “Entrepreneurship is the bedrock of any economy. Skills cannot be underrated.”
Mr. Ajayi Temitope, representing the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State chapter, encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage business associations across Nigeria for funding opportunities.
The meeting was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Maye of Olubadan, Oba Lekan Alabi, and the Iyaloja of Ibadan.
In his closing remark, Abdurrauf urged participants to translate discussions into concrete actions driving sustainable development in the state.
“Let’s work together to make this town hall meeting an impactful platform for driving transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in Oyo State.” He added.
