In a bold move to promote youth empowerment and combat insecurity, the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State has trained 123 young people in drone construction, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics development.
The initiative, held on Friday in Owo, was carried out in partnership with the King’s College African Leadership Centre for Technology. It formed part of events marking the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day.
Declaring the programme open, the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Mr. Tope Omolayo, said the training was designed to equip youths with technical and entrepreneurial skills necessary to fight poverty, reduce unemployment, and promote quality education, science, and technology.
Omolayo highlighted the importance of leveraging digital innovation, particularly space technology, to enhance local security through drone engineering and GPS tracking.
“Our aim is to empower our youths with the tools and knowledge they need to secure their future while also addressing the serious security threats facing our communities,” he said.
Recalling past tragedies in the region, Omolayo noted that Owo has endured numerous security crises in recent years.
“In 2016, seven police officers were killed during a multiple-bank robbery incident. In 2022, over 40 people lost their lives in the tragic attack on St. Francis Catholic Church on Owaluwa Street,” he said.
He added that rural areas such as Ifon, Emure, and Ute, as well as highways linking Owo to Akure and Benin, have become hotbeds for kidnappings and banditry. “Victims, including farmers, commuters, and students, have suffered immensely — some have even died in captivity.”
Omolayo described the training as a turning point in rebuilding community resilience. “Equipping our youths with digital skills like drone tech can help monitor our forests and borders more effectively. It’s a step toward a more secure and sustainable future.”
He further disclosed that the trainees would soon embark on an international technology tour to present their innovations at global drone and tech expos in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Bolajoko Olapeju-Ayeni, Co-Founder of the King’s College African Leadership Centre for Technology, emphasized the importance of this year’s World Youth Skills Day theme, which focused on empowering young people through digital technology and AI.
She encouraged participants to embrace innovation and become creators of change within the tech industry. “This training is an opportunity to dream big and build a future where Nigerian youths lead in global innovation,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Shanu Abu, who received an award for developing an educational robotics project, expressed appreciation to the council chairman and organisers.
“We’re grateful for this platform. With these new skills, we’re ready to contribute to the progress of our communities,” Abu said.
Fifteen of the trainees received awards in recognition of the innovative projects they developed during the training.
