Royal Queens of Ijesaland Launch Solar Skills Training for Youths
In a significant move to address unemployment and promote sustainable development, the De Royal Beautiful Queens, a non-profit association comprising the wives of traditional rulers across Ijesaland, have empowered local youths with comprehensive training in solar panel installation. This initiative, held in Ijesaland, aims to equip young individuals with practical skills for self-reliance and economic independence.
Empowering Communities Through Skill Development
The association, which includes queens from various Ijesa communities, organized the program to complement the efforts of royal fathers in fostering growth within their kingdoms. During the event, beneficiaries received cash rewards, tools for solar installation, and certificates of participation, marking the successful completion of their training. The program was attended by traditional rulers, highlighting the collaborative support for community development.
Olori Modupeola Ogungbangbe, the president of the association and queen of Iloko-Ijesa, emphasized that empowering youths with adequate skills is crucial for reducing unemployment in society. In a statement, she affirmed the association's commitment to supporting projects focused on young people, women, and vulnerable groups, ensuring sustained community progress.
Intensive Training and Professional Guidance
The training was conducted by Blessed Paul Technologies and Institute Company, led by CEO Mr. Akintunde Akinsete. Beneficiaries underwent a one-week intensive program covering both theoretical and practical aspects of solar installation. Akinsete advised the participants to maintain professionalism and commit to continuous learning to excel in their new skill.
Traditional rulers also offered words of wisdom to the beneficiaries. Alayeluwa Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, highlighted the importance of capital, connection, competence, and integrity—referred to as the 3Cs and I—as key factors for success in any venture. He urged the youths to maximize the opportunity provided by the queens.
Royal Support and Broader Impact
Other royal figures praised the initiative for its positive impact on community development. Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa and Royal Grand Patron of the association, lauded the effort and encouraged beneficiaries to demonstrate honesty in their dealings. Similarly, Otunba Oluwashina Akinpelumi, Patron of the association and Bayegha Itagbuyi of Ondo Kingdom, expressed joy in impacting youths and vulnerable groups, noting that such empowerment programs help reduce social vices.
Akinpelumi assured that beneficiaries would be closely monitored to ensure they remain productive and continue to develop their skills, underscoring the long-term commitment to their growth.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude for Life-Changing Opportunity
Several beneficiaries, including Kehinde Olowe, Adeosun Abiodun, Isola Opeyemi Francis, and Aluko Damola Moruf, shared their appreciation for the initiative. They described the training as timely and life-changing, highlighting how it has equipped them with valuable skills for future employment and entrepreneurship.
This solar skills training aligns with broader national efforts to enhance practical education. In a related development, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, recently launched the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme, aimed at transforming Nigerian students from job seekers into job creators through innovation-driven learning.
The De Royal Beautiful Queens' initiative stands as a testament to the power of traditional institutions in driving grassroots development and empowering the next generation with sustainable skills.
