By Adeniyi Adedoyin
No fewer than 135 participants have graduated from the Oba Saka Matemilola Skills Acquisition Programme organised by Junior Chamber International Rockcity at the Olowu Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The vocational training programme, held from March 3 to March 7, 2026, under the Oba Saka Matemilola Skills Acquisition Project, attracted 343 registrations, out of which 135 participants completed the intensive hands-on training.
Organisers disclosed that about 50 of the active participants were young single mothers, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to empowering vulnerable groups with practical and income-generating skills.
The programme was organised by Junior Chamber International Rockcity, a civic leadership and community development organisation, under the leadership of its President, Olalekan Aroyehun.
The project organising committee was chaired by Yewande Maryam Odumala under the Directorate of Skills Development led by Oluwadamilare Oladotun.
The training sessions were hosted at the Olowu Palace through the support of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, who opened the palace grounds for the community-focused initiative.
Participants received practical training in several vocational and creative fields including painting and paint production, solar panel installation, crocheting, liquid soap and antiseptics production, shoe making, fashion designing, and tie-and-dye (Adire) production.
They also attended sessions on photography and digital marketing designed to help them improve product branding, marketing strategies and digital visibility for small businesses.
The opening ceremony attracted several dignitaries including Queen Adijat Matemilola, Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola, members of the Owu Royal Council of Chiefs, leaders and senators of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, as well as representatives of the Ogun State Vocational Education Board who attended on behalf of the Commissioner for Education.
Addressing participants, Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola urged them to remain confident and determined in pursuing their dreams.
“Do not let your past dictate your future. Whatever situations you find yourself in, know who you are. We are doing the little we can to help our society,” she said.
In a gesture that inspired many participants, the queen also co-facilitated the crocheting class and joined the paint production training as a learner.
Speaking on the objective of the initiative, the project chairperson, Yewande Maryam Odumala, stressed the need for collective responsibility in community development.
“Everyone has a role to play in making our community a better place. Contribute your own quota and do the little you can to uplift others,” she said.
Participants were guided through practical sessions where they produced items and demonstrated the skills acquired during the training. At the end of the programme, certificates of participation were presented to the graduates.
The closing ceremony held on March 7 was attended by national leaders of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, including the Executive Vice President, Idara Michael, and the National Vice President for the South-West, Olajumoke Adelabu, alongside members of the organisation’s Board of Directors and JCI Senators.
Other dignitaries present included Abiola Odetola, Special Assistant to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, and Bashir, Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Abeokuta Local Government.
Commending the organisers, JCI Nigeria Executive Vice President, Idara Michael, described the project as a commendable example of community-driven development.
“Putting this project together shows that we are keen on community impact and sustainable development,” she said, while also acknowledging the strong participation of women during the programme held around the period of International Women’s Day.
As part of the programme’s post-training support, mentors were assigned to guide participants through a three-month internship designed to help them strengthen their newly acquired skills.
In addition, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, pledged empowerment support for 50 outstanding participants to enable them establish their own businesses.
The monarch and Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola also commended Junior Chamber International Rockcity for what they described as leadership and innovation in organising the skills acquisition programme.
Meanwhile, during the closing ceremony, the project chairperson, Yewande Maryam Odumala, received financial support totalling ₦1.5 million from Abiola Odetola, JCI Senator Adekunle Babatunde Samson and JCI Senator Seun Balogun in recognition of her leadership in coordinating the initiative.
Partners supporting the project included Deji Ashiru of The Glitz Group, Ceetyland and other stakeholders.
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