District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, has emphasised the importance of vocational skills in closing the economic gap, while calling on the government to create a supportive environment for small businesses and empower communities.

Speaking during his official visit to the Rotary Club of Agege, Akinyele noted that the club’s nearly 42 years of service highlight its significant contributions to local and international community projects, establishing it as one of the leading clubs in the district.

Akinyele noted the district’s goals for the Rotary year, which include increasing membership, adding that economic and community development is a key focus for Rotary, with vocational training playing a pivotal role.

He commended the club’s array of service projects, particularly the donation of equipment and materials to a vocational centre, empowering beneficiaries through skill acquisition, enabling them to start businesses.

According to him, the club has also undertaken initiatives like donating kits for pregnant women and expectant mothers, reflecting its commitment to community support.

He said: “The Rotary Club of Agege’s vocational centre offers free training to diverse beneficiaries, including young graduates, widows, and women, equipping them with practical skills. These people now will have a business to do something to put food on their table and that of their family.

Stressing partnership between government and organisations like Rotary, Akinyele noted that the government’s role in creating favourable policies and providing essential infrastructure, such as stable electricity and water supply, is critical.

He pointed out challenges like fuel costs impacting small businesses, given generators are often necessary for operations, advocating for governmental focus on the power sector to bolster small enterprises.

“The government should focus on the power sector to enable businesses, small businesses,” he stated, calling for conditions conducive to business growth marked by peace and affordability of basic services.

On his part, the President, Rotary Club of Agege, Olufemi Ogungbemi, stated that the club has undertaken notable initiatives, including a Maternal and Child Health Project distributing supplementary foods for infants at a primary health centre, fostering collaboration with local health management.

“Current endeavours focus on Basic Education and Literacy, targeting secondary schools in Agege for distribution of educational materials and provision of ICT training, entrepreneurship skills, and career counselling aligned with Lagos State’s curriculum reforms.

“We operate within Rotary International’s framework of addressing community needs through focused areas of intervention. Discussions during the district governor’s visit touched upon the synergy required between governmental efforts and non-governmental organisations like Rotary for impactful community development.

Also speaking, Past President of the district, Emmanuel Eneh, stated that the district is open to collaborations aimed at augmenting resources for broader community impact, stating that Rotary’s initiatives reflect a dedication to enhancing societal well-being through structured projects and engagement with local stakeholders.

Eneh, who is also the Chairman of DG Visits for the 2025-2026 year and coordinator of the event, stressed Rotary’s role as a voluntary, humanitarian global organisation focused on impacting society through projects and economic empowerment.

He noted the necessity of basic infrastructure, such as good roads, water, and, crucially, a constant electricity supply, to facilitate businesses and enable skilled workers to thrive.

“The government should be able to provide the basic facilities of life… All this will help the unskilled workers to be able to have the facilities to work,” he noted, stressing Rotary’s partnership approach with the government to add societal value.