By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Engr. Olawale Arowolo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Kosofe Constituency II, has promised to train and empower at least 1,000 youths in each ward through vocational skills and other opportunities in the informal sector.
Arowolo said the proposed initiative would equip young people with practical skills, improve their chances of earning a living and discourage involvement in drug use and other social vices.
He made the pledge in an interview with Kosofe Post in Lagos ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying youth unemployment and idleness were among the challenges he hoped to address if elected.
The candidate said his proposed skills acquisition programme would draw on his background in furniture production and introduce modern equipment to communities across the constituency.
“From my background in furniture production, I intend to bring in machinery so that, in different wards and localities across my constituency, we can bring young people together and teach them skills.
“This will enable them to acquire knowledge and make productive use of their time. These days, many of our youths are idle and get involved in drugs and other activities they should not be engaged in,” he said.
Arowolo listed furniture making, fishing, tailoring, generator repairs and mechanical work among the vocational areas he intends to introduce.
He said the programme would also target young people in riverine communities through mechanised fishing, which he believes could improve their livelihoods and create opportunities beyond traditional fishing methods.
According to him, participants would undergo training lasting between six months and one year, with machinery and equipment provided to support practical learning.
“I believe a lot of youths will be taken off the streets and gainfully engaged through this programme. After about six months of training, they should be able to acquire the skills and put them to use.
“Gone are the days when we used our hands to hit wood. These days, we have machinery for almost everything. These are the things I intend to bring into my constituency and make available in each ward,” he said.
Arowolo reiterated that his target was to empower at least 1,000 youths in every ward through the initiative, although he did not provide details on the proposed funding, selection process, training partners or how the beneficiaries would be supported after completing the programme.
Promises Ward-Level Constituency Offices
The ADC candidate also promised to establish constituency offices in each ward to improve communication between his office and residents.
He said the proposed offices would provide opportunities for constituents to participate in activities, raise concerns and receive feedback on issues affecting their communities.
Arowolo added that he had created a TikTok account through which residents in each ward could contact him directly.
“I have created a social media handle on TikTok through which each ward can send a direct message to me. This will enable me to receive feedback regularly, understand the issues and work towards solving those problems,” he said.