The Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment with the successful completion of a three-week Adire attire-making training programme for 50 young residents of the council.
The training, organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Alimosho Chapter, was fully sponsored by the local government as part of ongoing efforts to entrench the Chairman’s development blueprint—the WISE Agenda.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat Hall, Hon. Akinpelu Johnson announced a ₦3 million loan support fund dedicated to the beneficiaries of the programme. He explained that the fund would enable the graduates to purchase production materials, expand their businesses, and begin earning sustainable income.
He further urged them to form cooperatives to access the loan facility. “Form yourselves into clusters and operate as a cooperative. The council will fund the cooperative with ₦3 million, which you will use among yourselves for material procurement and production. It is a revolving loan. You are our pride,” he said.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official decoration of the Executive Chairman as the Grand Patron of NYCN, Alimosho Branch, while the Vice Chairman was decorated as Patron of the council chapter of the youth body.
Hon. Akinpelu encouraged the beneficiaries to leverage the growing national demand for Adire fabrics, urging them to focus on producing quality materials and showcasing their works at exhibitions, markets, social gatherings, and other public platforms. He cited his experience during a budget retreat in Abeokuta, where he was captivated by the standard of Adire fabrics on display, reinforcing his belief in the economic potential of the craft for local producers.
Participants showcased vibrant Adire pieces created during the intensive training sessions, demonstrating proficiency across multiple production techniques. Certificates of participation were presented to all graduands—symbolising a new phase of opportunity, creativity, and economic inclusion for Alimosho youth.
