The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu, and his wife, Mrs. Adenike Adebutu, have called for increased investment in vocational training, entrepreneurship and affordable financing for young Nigerians as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth.

The couple made the call on Tuesday at an event organised by the Agbaletu Progressive Movement to mark its fifth anniversary through the empowerment of young people with vocational training and educational support.

They stressed the need for government, individuals and philanthropic organisations to support young people with practical skills, mentorship and access to capital.

Adebutu said providing affordable capital to young entrepreneurs and small business owners was crucial to enabling them to establish, expand and sustain their businesses.

He urged government and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment where viable businesses could thrive, stressing that access to finance must be complemented with mentorship, capacity building and skills development.

“One practical example is empowering young people to become entrepreneurs by supporting their business ideas and helping them turn those ideas into sustainable businesses,” he said.

Adebutu noted that investment in young people remained critical to economic development, job creation and the reduction of unemployment.

“Capital is particularly important in this regard. We must ensure that affordable and accessible funding is available to young entrepreneurs and small business owners so they can start, expand and sustain their businesses.

“If we are serious about growing the economy, creating jobs, and reducing unemployment, we must invest in our young people and create an environment where viable businesses can thrive,” he added.

Also speaking, Mrs. Adenike Adebutu, Life Matron of the Agbaletu Progressive Movement, urged parents to encourage their children and wards to acquire vocational skills alongside formal education.

She argued that academic qualifications alone should not be regarded as sufficient preparation for the realities of the Nigerian economy, urging young people to develop practical skills that would make them self-reliant.

“Education and vocational skills can go hand in hand. Learning a skill such as tailoring, catering, hairdressing, ICT, or any other practical vocation does not diminish the value of formal education. Rather, it gives our children additional opportunities to become productive and independent,” she said.

Mrs. Adebutu also urged parents to discourage excessive dependence on white-collar employment, stressing that practical skills could create employment opportunities and contribute to societal development.

“Our young people should not rely solely on white-collar jobs. A school certificate is important, but it is not the end of life, particularly given the realities of our country today,” she said.

The President and Founder of the movement, Hon. Samson Oluwadamilare Oguntoyinbo, said the organisation had, over the years, assisted more than 100 people to gain university admission and supported others through NECO and WAEC programmes.

Oguntoyinbo said the organisation was training 150 people as part of activities marking its anniversary, while about 50 beneficiaries were graduating from various vocational programmes.

He listed tailoring, carving, baking, hairdressing and other entrepreneurial skills among the areas covered by the training.

According to him, the initiative was designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

He added that the organisation had also undertaken healthcare interventions, including health outreach programmes and the provision of medications to members of the community.

Oguntoyinbo described the organisation’s five-year existence as a source of pride, noting that its educational, vocational and healthcare interventions represented part of its contribution to society.

He expressed appreciation to God, members and supporters of the organisation for sustaining the movement and enabling it to continue its humanitarian activities.