Wale Jagun
The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has sought the support and collaboration of stakeholders at the federal level for vocational training, skills certification and youth enterprise development for youths in his council.
He made the appeal while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development at the 2026 National Industrial Manpower Summit (NIMS), which he participated in with other administrators in Abuja.
The summit held in Abuja FCT for two days – 15th and 16th October, 2026, was organised by the Presidency in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
It brought together government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, educators and development partners.
It was themed, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Human Capital for Industrial Transformation: Building Skills, Driving Innovation and Creating Prosperity.”
Discussions at the summit centred on bridging Nigeria’s industrial skills gap, strengthening technical and vocational education, expanding apprenticeship opportunities and equipping young Nigerians with competencies required in emerging industries.
Part of the focal points of the summit were proposals for a 10-year National Industrial Workforce Strategy, sector-specific manpower development roadmaps, TVET reforms, the proposed National Industrial Manpower Competence Registry and the Nigeria Skills Academy.
During the summit, Chairman Aroyewun engaged stakeholders on opportunities for collaboration between federal institutions and grassroots administrations, particularly in vocational training, skills certification and youth enterprise development.
He commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, for connecting national industrial manpower priorities with institutions and communities across the country.
“Hon. Ayinde has shown that the Presidency can reach the grassroots. Through his office, Igbogbo/Baiyeku has found a direct link to national manpower programmes, and we intend to make full use of it,” the Chairman stated.
He also commended the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin, for his leadership and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s technical and vocational training capacity.
Describing the summit as an important opportunity for local governments to understand emerging workforce demands, Aroyewun said: “Nigeria’s industrial future will be built by skilled hands and creative minds, and Igbogbo/Baiyeku must be part of it. I came to Abuja to learn, build connections and identify opportunities that can empower our youths, artisans and young entrepreneurs.”
The Chairman noted that structured apprenticeships and recognised skills certification present potential opportunities for artisans, technicians, mechanics, welders, tailors and other skilled workers across the LCDA, helping them improve their competence, expand their businesses and compete within Lagos State’s growing industrial economy.
Reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment, Aroyewun emphasised that physical infrastructure and human capital development must progress together.
“Infrastructure builds a community, but skills sustain it. Our goal is an Igbogbo/Baiyeku where every young person has a pathway to a livelihood,” he said.
He reiterated his administration’s determination to pursue partnerships and programmes that promote practical education, vocational competence, entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance, maintaining that the true value of national development initiatives lies in their ability to translate policies into opportunities that improve people’s everyday lives.
The summit which focused on human capital development aligns with Aroyewun administration’s priorities in education, youth empowerment and economic opportunities, which reflected in some of his administration’s initiatives such as the Smart School Project; planned renovation of U.A.M.C. Eleja Primary School among other educational interventions that his administration have embarked upon.
With Ikorodu Division occupying an important position in the state’s commercial and industrial landscape, Aroyewun’s participation in the summit represents a step towards identifying federal programmes and institutional partnerships that could support the council’s efforts to equip residents with relevant skills.
According to the council boss, as Nigeria advances its industrial manpower development agenda, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA is positioning itself to connect national workforce policies with grassroots needs, particularly in education, vocational training, artisan development and youth employment.
The summit also attracted prominent political and administrative figures from Lagos State, including former Minister of Works, Senator Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe; the Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Apanisile; the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olatunbosun Haruna Aruwe; the Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Otunba Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Abdullateef Ladega.
