The Omobolanle and Victor Laniyan (OVL) Foundation, in collaboration with several partner organisations, has empowered 1,257 young men and women across Delta State, equipping them with vocational skills to shape tomorrow’s economy.

Speaking at the 9ja Youth Drive, a flagship empowerment initiative launched by the Foundation in Asaba yesterday, the chairman of OVL Foundation, Mr. Victor Laniyan, said that youth empowerment is not merely a choice but a national responsibility.

“We believe that empowering youths is not an option, but a responsibility that would stabilise the country,” Laniyan said.

According to Laniyan, this year’s celebration goes beyond marking a date on the calendar, but “it’s about celebrating the power, potential, and promise of our youths.”

Also speaking at the event was Ambassador Blessing Erere Esemuede, CEO of Kings & Queen Helping Hands Foundation, who revealed how her organisation partnered with OVL Foundation, Karato, and IHS Towers to train 500 participants in both vocational and digital skills.

Esemuede, whose foundation was established in 2024, said they had completed over 45 community projects in less than two years.

“We trained 500 people in areas like soap making, paint production, catering, ‘Egele’ hair styling, and make-up. Although the training lasted just one week, we gave them the basics to help them find where their passion lies,” she said.

In his keynote address, Rt. Rev. Kingsley Obuh, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Asaba and CEO of the Diocese of Asaba Agape Foundation (DAAF), represented by Venerable Chukwudi Ekwemuka, praised the NGOs for impacting lives.

He stressed that NGOs exist to complement government efforts and fill in gaps, especially in times of economic hardship.