The Obelawo Center for Education, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development (OCEELD), in collaboration with the Development Governance International Foundation (DGIF), has commenced a 2-day Entrepreneurship Training and Empowerment Programme at the Obelawo Multipurpose Event Hall, Ijagbo, Kwara State. The event began today, 26th August 2025.
The Director of OCEELD, Dr. Gafar Alawode, delivered the opening address, welcoming participants and urging them to pay close attention to the sessions designed to equip them with the knowledge to develop profitable business ideas.
In his goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mr. Kolawole Olumoh, commended the efforts of OCEELD and DGIF.
“I know my community has the ability to achieve great things, especially through diverse programmes. We must respect and appreciate the small-scale businesses that already exist. The kind of scheme the organisers are creating will not turn us into powerless private entities. The truth and the visible results must be preserved,” he said, before formally declaring the programme open.
The Kabiesi Onijagbo, represented by the Olora of Ijagbo, Alhaji Mudashir Ajiboye, conveyed the monarch’s goodwill and appreciation for the organisers’ contributions to societal growth.
The Offa Local Government Chairman, represented by the Secretary to the Council, and the Ijagbo Descendants Union, represented by Mr. Gabriel Abolarin, also expressed their support for the initiative.
The training features three technical sessions covering topics such as understanding the business landscape, identifying viable business ideas, and smart business planning, among others
Participants shared their excitement and gratitude for the programme. Mr. Dere thanked the sponsors, saying, “God bless them for me.” Mr. Mudashir praised the organisers for the enlightening session on business planning, adding, “I can’t wait to witness Day 2.”
Former Dean of Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr. Engr. Raifu Oyeleke Brown, also encouraged struggling entrepreneurs, advising, “Start small, and see what will happen next.”
Other notable personalities at the event included Mr. Wọlé Alawode, Chief Lecturer at the Department of Strategic Communication, Federal Polytechnic Offa; Mr. Marvellous Atteh of SMEDAN; and several others.
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