Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WeForGood International, Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters (left); a beneficiary, Mr. Abdul-Fatai Are; Chairman, Yaba LCDA, Kayode Omiyale; Associate Director, Government Relations, IHS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bond Abbe; Specialist, Security Operations, IHS Towers, Mr. Clement Thomas and another beneficiary, Opeoluwa Akowanu, during the graduation of trainees in Renewable/Solar Panel Installation, Catering and Hospitality Management under IHS Project Empower Lagos 2023 in Yaba, Lagos
IHS Nigeria has received commendations for training and empowering over 25 youths in the Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State as part of its ‘IHS Project Empower’ initiative.
The one-month training, which was implemented by WeForGood International, a non-governmental organisation with interest in sustainable solutions for youths across Africa, focused on Renewable Energy, as well as Catering and Hospitality Management.
Speaking at the presentation of certificates and start-up kits to the trainees, Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kayode Omiyale, commended the company and its partner for empowering youths in the area with entrepreneurial and vocational training, just as he urged other organisations in the country to emulate IHS Nigeria’s initiative.
He noted that the empowerment would go a long way to impacting positively on the beneficiaries and their families. He further called on unemployed graduates in the country to embrace entrepreneurial training, technical and vocational skills for future occupation that will enable self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Some of the beneficiaries including Adebori Adeyemi, Olumide Idowu, Damilola Oduntan, who spoke at the event, commended IHS Nigeria and its partner, for the training and capacity building which they said was highly impactful. They stated that the training marks a fresh and exciting beginning in the world of entrepreneurship and possibilities.
Also speaking, Associate Director, Government Relations, IHS Nigeria Limited, Bond Abbe, said the project is in alignment with one of their sustainability pillars, Education and Economic Growth, adding that the company offers skill acquisition trainings, funding, mentorship, and support to help young adults turn their ideas into successful businesses.
“Our efforts in empowering young entrepreneurs have yielded impressive results. We have provided training to over 2,929 young entrepreneurs and innovators, offered grants to 95 young entrepreneurs in 13 states of Nigeria, and, as a result, created 768 new jobs. This has had a positive impact on the lives of over 701,688 people across Nigeria.
“Today, we recognise the success of our efforts as we have empowered 25 outstanding individuals in Renewable Energy and Catering and Hospitality Management, as part of the 2023 Project Empower Lagos Cohort programme.”
On her part, Chief Executive Officer, WeForGood International, the implementation partner, Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters, said the initiative aims to develop self-sufficiency and generate a positive ripple effect on the larger economy by providing trainees with the skills they need to create and manage their own businesses, stating that it was also targeted at reducing reliance on traditional employment avenues and empowering individuals to take charge of their economic destiny.
She explained that beyond the intensive training and empowerment, they will follow up the beneficiaries with continuous coaching, monitoring and evaluation and access to foundations.
