The Oyo State government is planning to train and equip 500 unemployed youths on basic entrepreneurship and business management skills across the state’s 33 local government areas.

The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Wasilat Adegoke, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the conference room of the governor’s office, Agodi, Ibadan.

According to Ms Adegoke, the initiative is a lifetime opportunity under a programme tagged “Omituntun 2.0 Enterprise Skill Development Programme” (OEs-DEP).

She said the pilot scheme of the training would target young graduates from tertiary institutions between the ages of 22 and 32.

The commissioner said the training would accommodate 15 youths, including people living with disabilities from each local government area.

She said beneficiaries would be given starter packs to start their businesses upon completing the training.

Ms Adegoke said they would be trained in the art of writing business proposals and tips for successful interviews to boost their employability.

Entrepreneurship and skill acquisition, financial/business management and sustenance, leadership skills, and mentorship, among others, were also listed as part of the training courses.

According to her, the flag-off of the training will be held between June 10 and 13 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iseyin.

Ms Adegoke said an online link would soon be opened to the public for interested indigenes to apply.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to prioritise other aspects of economic development for youths toward self-reliance beyond the development of sporting activities.

The partner of the programme, Jasper Ezenwaka, described the training as a skill-oriented one that was geared toward solving the problem of unemployment in society.

(NAN)