By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

No fewer than 135 participants have successfully completed a vocational training programme organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Rockcity under the Oba Saka Matemilola Skills Acquisition Project in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The five-day programme, held from March 3 to March 7, 2026, took place at the Olowu Palace in the Owu Kingdom and attracted 343 registrations, out of which 135 participants actively participated in the various training sessions.

Organisers disclosed that about 50 of the participants were young single mothers, reflecting the project’s commitment to empowering vulnerable groups through practical and income-generating skills.

The initiative was organised by JCI Rockcity, a civic leadership and community development organisation, under the leadership of its president, JCIN Ambassador Olalekan Aroyehun. The organising committee was chaired by Miss Yewande Maryam Odumala under the Directorate of Skills Development led by Mr. Oluwadamilare Oladotun.

The training programme was hosted at the Olowu Palace with the support of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, who made the palace grounds available for the community development initiative.

Participants received hands-on 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.
In addition to the vocational courses, participants also attended sessions on photography and digital marketing aimed at enhancing product branding, marketing strategies, and digital visibility for small businesses. These digital sessions were conducted ahead of the official opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony attracted several dignitaries including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola; Queen Adijat Matemilola; Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola; members of the Owu Royal Council of Chiefs; leaders and senators of JCI Nigeria; and representatives of the Ogun State Vocational Education Board who attended on behalf of the Commissioner for Education.

Addressing participants at the event, Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola urged them to remain confident and determined regardless of their life circumstances.

“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.

The queen also participated in the programme by co-facilitating the crocheting class and joining the paint production training as a learner, a gesture organisers said inspired many participants.

Speaking on the objective of the initiative, the project chairperson, Miss Yewande Maryam Odumala, emphasised the importance of 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.

During the training, participants engaged in practical sessions where they produced items and demonstrated the skills acquired. At the end of the programme, they were presented with certificates of participation.

The closing ceremony on March 7 was attended by several national leaders of JCI Nigeria, including the Executive Vice President, JCIN Ambassador Idara Michael, and the National Vice President for the South-West, JCIN Ambassador Olajumoke Adelabu, alongside members of the JCI Nigeria Board of Directors and JCI Senators.

Other dignitaries present included Mr. Abiola Odetola, Special Assistant to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, and Mr. Bashir, Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Abeokuta Local Government.

Commending the organisers, Ambassador Idara Michael described the initiative as an exemplary model 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 significant participation of women in the programme in line with International Women’s Day celebrations.

As part of the programme’s follow-up support, mentors have been assigned to guide participants through a three-month internship phase aimed at helping them consolidate their newly acquired skills.

In addition, Oba Saka Matemilola pledged empowerment support for 50 outstanding participants to enable them establish their own businesses, a move organisers believe will strengthen the economic impact of the programme within the community.

The monarch and Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola also commended JCI Rockcity for demonstrating leadership and innovation in organising the skills acquisition initiative.

In a separate gesture during the closing ceremony, the project chairperson, Miss Odumala, received financial support totalling ₦1.5 million from Mr. Abiola Odetola, JCI Senator Adekunle Babatunde Samson (ABS), and JCI Senator Seun Balogun in recognition of her leadership in coordinating the programme.

Partners supporting the initiative included Engr. (Dr.) Deji Ashiru (EDA), The Glitz Group, Ceetyland, and other stakeholders.