A councilor representing ward 4 and the convener of The Hope Never Dies, Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo empowers 120 youths in a week-long capacity building and empowerment Programme, themed “Cultivating Prosperity: Unlocking Nigeria’s Agricultural Potential,” which concluded today at the Oredegbe Digital Center, Saki, with a resounding call for youth empowerment in agriculture.
The event attracted a blend of community leaders, government officials, and industry experts, highlighting the town’s commitment to agricultural development.
The event also welcomed Hon. Beulah Adeoye, represented by Afeez Omoniyi, and Dr. Lawal Adebowale, CEO of PrinceDee Agroconsult, who was the lead trainer and keynote speaker.
Over the past six days, 120 youths were trained in various agricultural skills, including fish farming, cassava farming, yam farming, maize farming, and beekeeping. Participants were empowered with tools such as planters and beekeeping coats, marking the culmination of the training programme.
“This programme is a reflection of our commitment to solving Nigeria’s food crisis and promoting youth-led initiatives in agriculture,” said Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, convener of Hope Never Dies. He urged participants to apply their new skills to drive economic growth and sustainability.
In his address, Hon. Rafiu Adekunle commended the initiative and pledged to support agricultural development in Saki. He announced plans to facilitate the establishment of a honey processing factory and a shea butter company in the town to enhance value addition in the agricultural sector.
The lead trainer, Dr. Lawal Adebowale, expressed satisfaction with the participants’ enthusiasm and dedication. He emphasized the importance of innovation in agriculture, urging the youth to remain committed to the sector.
Other speakers, including Alhaji Kilani Omofoyewa and Dr. Y.Y Muslim, praised the initiative and pledged ongoing support for youth-driven agricultural development.
The convener, Hon. Salaudeen, highlighted that the programme was conducted without any political sponsorship, emphasizing its goal of genuine community development. He extended appreciation to the training team, including Fatiu Hamzat, Busari Uthman, Daranijo Habeeb, Busari Islamiyat, Olabisi Sodeeq, Muideen Arolagbade and Waheed Abdulbasit, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the programme’s success.
“As the Hope Never Dies 2025 Programme draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and hope. With 120 trained youths ready to contribute to the agricultural sector, the initiative has laid a strong foundation for addressing food security and fostering economic growth in Saki and beyond.
The programme’s success underscores the potential of collaborative efforts between the government, traditional leaders, and the community in achieving sustainable development.” Said Hon. Beulah Adeoye.
Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Rafiu Adekunle, former Minority Leader and Chairman of the Oyo State Pension Board, who chaired the occasion. Also in attendance were Hon. Mudasiru Eruobodo, Board Member of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS); Hon. Lukman Adisa Adamawa Ph.D, Former Special Adviser in Constituency Matters to Oyo State Governor; Dr. Y.Y. Muslim, former Director of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Saki Campus; Alhaji Kilani Omofoyewa, Baale Ilua of Sakiland; Hon. Gbenga Akinola, represented by his Chief of Staff, Seun Oladeji; Salaudeen Soliu, Majority Leader of the Saki West Legislative House; Oladejo Kazeem, President of Saki Youth Organisation; and Sekoni Afeez, President of the Council of Oke-Ogun Visionary Leaders.
