Orile-Agege, Lagos | Tuesday. 9th December 2025
In a vibrant celebration of progress and people-centered governance, the Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) came alive on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, as it hosted the third graduation ceremony of its Vocational Training Centre. The event marked a significant milestone—100 impactful days in office for the Executive Chairman, Hon. Akinola Abiodun Idowu, fondly known as “Dodo.”
Held at the council’s Secretariat, the occasion drew an enthusiastic crowd comprising graduating trainees, their families, community leaders, political dignitaries, and residents. The atmosphere was electric with pride and joy as over 200 graduates showcased the skills they had diligently acquired over several months.
The graduates, drawn from diverse departments such as fashion design, beauty and makeup, catering and event coordination, and information technology, proudly exhibited their creations and services. Their presentations stood as a testament to the council’s unwavering commitment to equipping residents with practical, income-generating skills.
In his keynote address, Hon. Akinola Abiodun Idowu, accompanied by his Vice Chairman, Hon. Wale Fayemi, expressed heartfelt satisfaction at witnessing the transformation of ordinary citizens into skilled professionals. He emphasized that the ceremony was not merely a celebration of completion but a powerful symbol of resilience, vision, and the transformative potential of inclusive leadership.
“This is not just a graduation,” Hon. Idowu declared. “It is a celebration of courage, perseverance, and the belief that with the right support, our people can rise above limitations and become self-reliant contributors to our economy.”
He highlighted the Vocational Training Centre as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social mobility, having trained and empowered hundreds of youths and adults since its inception. The Chairman commended the instructors and facilitators for their dedication, noting that their mentorship extended beyond technical instruction to life-shaping guidance.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and a ₦100,000 start-up grant to each of the over 200 graduates. This financial empowerment package, designed to help the new entrepreneurs launch their businesses immediately, was met with thunderous applause and emotional reactions from attendees.
In his charge to the graduates, Hon. Idowu urged them to remain steadfast, industrious, and ethical in their pursuits. He encouraged them to become ambassadors of change, using their skills to uplift their families and communities, and to contribute meaningfully to the development of Orile-Agege and beyond.
He concluded his speech with prayers for divine favor and success in all their endeavors.
The event was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including Alhaji Owolabi Dada, the pioneer Chairman of Agege Local Government; Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde, immediate past Chairman of Orile-Agege; Chief Safari Adaranijo, APC Apex Leader in Agege; Hon. Taofeek Adaranijo, former House of Representatives member; Hon. Sherifat Adedoyin, Permanent Member of SUBEB; Mrs. Bola Orelaru, Iyaloja General of Orile-Agege; Mrs. Fatimo Egunbiyi, APC Woman Leader; and Alhaji Adewale Siliki, Chairman of APC Ward Chairmen.
Also in attendance were legislative leaders including Hon. Omotunde Afolabi (Leader of the House), Hon. Balogun (Deputy Leader), Hon. Akinbile (Chief Whip), Hon. Waheed Olagoke, Hon. Temitope Olukoya, Hon. Sunmonu, as well as other councillors, party stalwarts, community influencers, and representatives of various interest groups.
The ceremony was expertly anchored by Mrs. Bukola Bankole, Head of the Information Department, with support from the Head of the Education Department, who delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks.
In a forward-looking announcement, the council revealed that application forms for the next batch of vocational trainees will be available free of charge starting January 2026. The upcoming training cycle will span nine months, further reinforcing the administration’s dedication to sustainable empowerment and inclusive growth.
As the event drew to a close, the prevailing mood was one of gratitude, optimism, and renewed commitment to building a future where every resident of Orile-Agege has the opportunity to thrive.
AKIN-DODO MEDIA TEAM
Orile-Agege LCDA
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