The ARS Entrepreneurship Empowerment Foundation has trained several young Nigerians in vocational and entrepreneurial skills to combat unemployment and encourage self-reliance.

At the graduation ceremony of its 12-week intensive vocational training programme, beneficiaries also received business support and equipment to help them establish and expand their enterprises.

The empowerment programme was established in memory of Ajibade Sharon, a young entrepreneur who passed away in 2023 at the age of 18.

Chairman of the Foundation, Dr Solomon Ajibade, said the organisation’s vocational training programme helps to tackle unemployment by equipping beneficiaries with practical skills and start-up support.

Ajibade said graduates are provided with tools and equipment, including sewing machines, among others, to establish their businesses.

According to him, the initiative is funded through donations from friends, supporters and members of the public. He expressed optimism that the programme would eventually operate year-round, while urging more young Nigerians to enrol and acquire vocational skills for economic empowerment.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, ARS Foundation, Ajibade Oluwatoyin, appealed for greater support from government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to expand the foundation’s vocational and entrepreneurial empowerment programmes.

Olanike said the initiative was established in memory of her late daughter, Sharon Ajibade, a former 100-level accounting student at Bowen University, whose death inspired the family to transform their grief into service to humanity.

According to her, the foundation initially targeted young people but later expanded its scope after receiving applications from older individuals seeking opportunities to acquire vocational skills and improve their livelihoods.
She noted that distance, inadequate facilities and limited funding remain major challenges, stressing the need for a permanent training centre capable of accommodating trainees, including vulnerable groups and orphans.

Olanike said public distrust of charitable organisations has made fundraising difficult, despite the foundation’s transparency and impact.

She urged government agencies to partner with credible foundations by providing funding, publicity, and policy support, while encouraging parents to nurture children with entrepreneurial talents and innovative ideas.

The Training Coordinator, Adebukola Coker, said participants received training in catering, shoe and bag making, tailoring, makeup, fascinator production and tie-and-dye. She noted that while more than 100 people initially registered, about 70 completed the programme.

She explained that beneficiaries were also taught product branding, pricing, negotiation and online marketing to improve their business prospects.