The Oyo State Government, through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, has successfully concluded a three-day intensive capacity building training on entrepreneurship, job creation and enterprise development for youths, reaffirming its commitment to tackling unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth across the state.

The training, held at Pinnacle Hotel, Arapaja Road, Odo Ona Kekere, Ibadan, forms part of the African Development Bank (AfDB)-funded SAPZ initiative, which is designed to empower young people with practical entrepreneurial, business development and financial management skills required to establish, grow and sustain successful enterprises.

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, the State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Mr. Ajetunmobi Akinwumi, described youth unemployment as one of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, noting that the programme was strategically designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical entrepreneurship.

According to him, while Oyo State continues to experience rapid growth in its youthful population, opportunities within the formal employment sector have not expanded at the same pace, making entrepreneurship an essential pathway to economic empowerment.
“Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria. Oyo State has a rapidly growing youth population, but the availability of formal employment has not kept pace with the demand.

“This training is therefore aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge in entrepreneurship, business planning and financial management, enabling them to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.”

Akinwumi explained that the programme aligns with the vision of the Oyo State Government to develop a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs, stimulating local industries and contributing meaningfully to the state’s economic transformation.

He further stated that participants were exposed to practical sessions covering entrepreneurship, innovation, business planning, enterprise management, leadership, communication skills, financial literacy and business sustainability.

According to him, the knowledge acquired during the training will empower participants to develop viable business ideas, strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity, improve financial decision-making and position them to contribute significantly to community and economic development.

Speaking at the programme, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Engr. Akeem Olatunji, commended the Oyo State Government for its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through strategic investment in capacity development and entrepreneurship.

He specifically applauded the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and its Director General, Dr. Debo Akande, for their visionary leadership and consistent efforts in driving the implementation of the SAPZ programme, describing the initiative as a transformational intervention capable of unlocking the immense potential of young people across the state.

Hon. Olatunji noted that the programme demonstrates the administration’s determination to equip youths with practical skills that will enhance self-reliance, stimulate innovation and reduce unemployment.

He stressed that entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective solutions to addressing youth unemployment, adding that government alone cannot provide employment opportunities for the growing population.

“Without adequate knowledge, there is no way anyone can create jobs or become a successful entrepreneur. This capacity-building programme is equipping our youths with the knowledge required to establish businesses and become self-sustaining.

“I sincerely commend His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency under the leadership of Dr. Debo Akande, and the SAPZ implementation team for bringing this impactful initiative to our people. This programme will undoubtedly create lasting economic opportunities and empower our youths to become productive contributors to the state’s development.”

He encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity presented by the training, noting that while financial support may become available, the knowledge and skills acquired would remain their greatest asset in building sustainable businesses.

One of the participants, Bamigboye Tobi, a final-year student of the University of Ibadan, expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the training as a life-changing opportunity that would broaden his entrepreneurial horizon.

According to him, travelling from the University of Ibadan to participate in the workshop was worthwhile, as the programme exposed him to practical business strategies capable of transforming innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.

“I see this training as a great opportunity to become an employer of labour. I believe I will be equipped with the entrepreneurial and financial knowledge required to grow my business, and from what I have experienced so far, I am confident I will leave with valuable knowledge that will positively impact my future.”

The SAPZ programme is being implemented in Oyo State as part of a broader partnership involving the Federal Government of Nigeria, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and participating state governments to accelerate agricultural industrialisation, stimulate private sector investment, promote inclusive economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities for youths and women.