OYO PILLAR OF SPORTS FOUNDATION AWARDS VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO YOUTHS

The Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, under the chairmanship of Mr Temitope Ademola Obideyi, has taken another significant step towards youth empowerment and economic independence by awarding vocational training scholarships to four young people.

The initiative, unveiled at an event held at Café One, Bond Mall, Favour Junction, Bodija, Ibadan, is being implemented in partnership with SunnyCutz Barbers Academy. Under the programme, the four beneficiaries will receive one year of free barbering training, effective immediately.

The initiative underscores the foundation’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills, promoting entrepreneurship and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods in a society where employment opportunities remain highly competitive.

The latest intervention builds on the foundation’s ongoing investment in youth development. On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the foundation presented educational and vocational training scholarships to two promising young football talents, Abdulganiyu Aishat, popularly known as “Eku”, and Olayide Adams Olawale, known as “My Daddy”.

Speaking at the event, the Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba James Odeniran, who also serves as Chairman of the Oyo State Football Association, charged the beneficiaries to approach the opportunity with dedication, discipline, concentration and seriousness.

The traditional ruler urged the students to maximise the training opportunity and work towards becoming independent business owners, noting that vocational skills could provide a sustainable means of livelihood and economic empowerment.

He commended Obideyi for his unwavering commitment to youth development, particularly his consistent efforts to empower young people through entrepreneurship and practical skills acquisition.

Also speaking, Mrs. Ogunsina, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, described the scholarship as a potentially life-changing opportunity for the beneficiaries.

She encouraged the students to take their training seriously, highlighting the importance of vocational education in addressing unemployment and equipping young people with alternatives to the increasingly competitive white-collar job market.

She also expressed appreciation to Obideyi for investing in the future of young people through the foundation’s empowerment initiatives.

In his remarks, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan, former Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ibadan, shared a personal account of how vocational training had shaped his career and business success.

Reflecting on his days as an active footballer, Olaniyan explained that although he did not reach the highest level of his playing career, an apprenticeship at a printing company eventually equipped him with the skills and experience that helped him become a printing press owner in Oyo State.

He advised the beneficiaries to recognise the long-term value of acquiring practical skills, stressing that vocational training should complement, rather than replace, formal education and other forms of personal development.

Olaniyan also commended Obideyi for his sustained commitment to empowering young people and providing opportunities that can positively influence their future.

Similarly, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami applauded the foundation’s chairman for extending opportunities to the beneficiaries and urged them not to take the gesture for granted.

He emphasised that confidence, a positive attitude, diligent work and a commitment to research and continuous learning were essential qualities for achieving success in business and other professional pursuits.

In her remarks, Mrs Akinfe Bukunmi Susan, wife of the proprietor of SunnyCutz Barbers Academy, outlined the academy’s training policies and expectations, encouraging the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and approach the programme with confidence and determination.

She assured them of the importance of commitment to learning and personal development as they embark on their vocational journey.

Earlier, Mrs. Motunrayo, a member of the foundation, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and other guests who attended the event.

She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to building the capacity of young people, restoring hope and creating opportunities that will enable them to achieve success in their chosen careers.