A total of 135 participants have successfully completed a vocational training programme organised by JCI Rockcity under the Oba Saka Matemilola Skills Acquisition Project, held at the Olowu Palace, Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The programme, which ran from March 3 to March 7, 2026, attracted 343 registrations, with about 50 young single mothers among the active participants, highlighting the project’s focus on empowering vulnerable groups with practical, income-generating skills.
Led by JCI Rockcity president, Olalekan Aroyehun, the initiative was coordinated by project chairperson Yewande Maryam Odumala and the Directorate of Skills Development under Oluwadamilare Oladotun. The programme was hosted at the palace with the support of HRM Oba Saka Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, who provided the palace grounds for the initiative.
Participants received training in painting and paint production, solar panel installation, crocheting, liquid soap and antiseptics production, shoe making, fashion designing, and tie-and-dye (Adire) production, alongside digital skills such as photography and digital marketing aimed at improving branding and online visibility for small businesses.
The opening ceremony drew prominent attendees, including the monarch, Queen Adijat Matemilola, Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola, members of the Owu Royal Council, leaders and senators of JCI Nigeria, and representatives of the Ogun State Vocational Education Board.
Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola encouraged participants to remain confident and resilient, stating:
“Do not let your past dictate your future. Whatever situations you find yourself, know who you are. We are doing the little we can to help our society.”
The queen also co-facilitated the crocheting class and participated in paint production training, inspiring participants through hands-on involvement.
Project chairperson Miss Odumala highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in community development, urging everyone to contribute to uplifting others.
At the closing ceremony on March 7, national leaders of JCI Nigeria, including Executive Vice President Idara Michael and South-West National Vice President Olajumoke Adelabu, joined members of the JCI Board and Senators in celebrating the programme’s success. Other dignitaries 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.
The programme’s follow-up includes a three-month mentorship and internship phase, while Oba Saka Matemilola pledged empowerment support for 50 outstanding participants to help establish their businesses, further strengthening the initiative’s economic impact.
Miss Odumala was also recognised with ₦1.5 million in financial support from notable figures including Mr Abiola Odetola, JCI Senator Adekunle Babatunde Samson (ABS), and JCI Senator Seun Balogun, in acknowledgment of her leadership in coordinating the programme.
Supporting partners included Engr. (Dr.) Deji Ashiru (EDA), The Glitz Group, Ceetyland, and other stakeholders, marking the initiative as a successful example of community-driven development and skills empowerment in Ogun State.