The Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State, on Wednesday, restated its commitment to investing in youth development, to enhance their potential and productivity in the area.

Wasiu Adesina, executive chairman of the local government, stated this while distributing sewing machines to 30 youths at the conclusion of a nine-month skill acquisition programme on fashion designing.

Mr Adesina said at the council secretariat that the gesture was one of the numerous interventions aimed at human capital development in Ikorodu.

The participants were selected from all the council wards.

No fewer than 120 started the training, but only 30 concluded as the first batch.

“We remain steadfast in our belief that the best way to serve the people is by investing in their potential.

“By providing access to initiatives such as this, we are not merely giving our people fish; we are teaching them how to fish,” Mr Adesina said.

He said that the provision of the sewing machines was in furtherance of the commitment to ensuring that the skills acquired were put to immediate productive use.

The chairman urged the youth to acquire skills, to unlock a future of economic empowerment, innovation and enterprise.

According to him, fashion is an expression of style, and a multi-billion naira global industry.

“Today, you proudly join its dynamic ranks by acquiring the art and craft of fashion designing,” he said, urging the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity.

The council chairman promised that his administration would ensure that the legislative complex and all ongoing road projects were completed and inaugurated before the end of his tenure.

In her remarks, Adetoun Awofeso, managing director and chief executive officer, Celebrity Fashion Academy, urged fashion designer across Nigeria to deploy modern technology in producing quality garments.

Ms Awofeso, the trainer, said Nigeria had the potential to become a hub for garment production, to generate youth employment.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed their gratitude to the council chairman and promised to use the equipment to improve their lives.

(NAN)