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Former Senate Leader and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, has facilitated training and equipping of over 500 youths of Oyo Central on solar power installation and maintenance.
The empowerment training, faclitated by Folarin was organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The 500 beneficiaries underwent one-month intensive training in Ibadan, Oyo and Ogbomoso zones of the state.
Speaking at a certification ceremony held at Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan, on Tuesday, Folarin stated that over 500 youths have acquired life skills in solar and renewable energy installation, repairs and maintenance and will become self-reliant and employers of labour, which will go a long way in curbing youth restiveness and insecurity in the state.
“With the one-month intensive training, the beneficiaries are now able to design simple solar grids, install, maintain and repair SPV technologies and other renewable technologies and alsoable to troubleshoot and repair solar street lights amongst many other skills acquired.
“I urge the beneficiaries to form a cooperative society while NCDMB should consider them for contracts. Also, there is need for NCDMB to create a database for proper monitoring and mentorship,” he said.
While thanking Engr. Simbi Wabote-led NCDMB for their cooperation and support over the years, Folarin said over N500 million was expended on training and equipping the youths.
“Each beneficiary received starter pack and toolbox. Sixty thousand naira out of N120,000 start-up capital have been paid to each participant during the training; they will receive alert for the balance immediately after this ceremony,” he said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote, represented by the Director, Policy and Research Studies, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, said the programme is aimed at providing the youth a means of livelihood. He commended the initiative and Folarin for his visionary leadership and for equipping his constituents with skills that is relevant to modern trend.
Management team of NCDMB present at the event include Mrs Angela Okoro, Mr. Adebayo Joseph, Chinedu Ihediani among others.
Also, the former federal lawmaker has commissioned two new ICT centres at Community Secondary School, Badeku, in Ona-Ara Local Government Area and Iresaadu High School, in Surulere Local Government Area.
Folarin has trained and empowered over 50,000 constituents in various skills and also facilitated about 30 ICT centres to the senatorial district.
