By Lukman Olabiyi
Ikorodu Peculiar Lions Club, Lagos, in partnership with the Oshodi Art Gallery, has concluded a five-day youth empowerment and skill acquisition programme. The initiative targeted children from diverse backgrounds and focused on equipping participants with practical, lifelong skills.
Dr. Seyi Oshodi, club president and founder of Oshodi Art Gallery, said: “This programme is part of our on going efforts to give back to the community. By providing these children with practical skills, we are redirecting their focus from idleness and crime to meaningful and productive pursuits.
“The training is not a one-time event but part of a broader, annual commitment by the Lions Club to address critical societal issues such as poverty, crime, and unemployment among young people.
“This initiative aligns with the core mission of Lions Clubs International, to serve. Through training and mentorship, we aim to catch them young and provide the tools needed for self-reliance.
“We see many boys being drawn into cybercrime and girls lured into prostitution due to a lack of guidance and opportunities. This is why our intervention is so crucial. Engaging them with skill-based education makes them assets to themselves and society.”
Service Chairperson, Alapafuja Fuad, added: “Youth development and crime prevention cannot be left to the government alone. Partnerships between government, private sector, and NGOs are essential for sustainable national growth.”
One of the participants, Ajayi Blessed Emmanuel, was delighted: “I feel so good. We’ve been attending this programme for five days and it’s been truly impactful. I’ve learned so much I didn’t know before. Instead of roaming the streets, we’ve been taught to focus on improving our skills.”
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