The commissioning of the renovated Paadi Vocational Skills Acquisition Centre in Fagbo-Paadi, Ondo East, is another clear demonstration that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa understands that meaningful governance is not only about government spending, but also about creating an environment where responsible partners can invest in the people.

This is what progressive and partnership-driven leadership looks like.

Through the collaboration involving Save the Children International, The Hershey Company, the Ondo State Government and the Ondo East Local Government, an abandoned facility has been transformed into a functional skills acquisition centre that will empower young people and caregivers with practical skills capable of changing their economic circumstances.

The figures speak for themselves. 34 Village Savings and Loan Associations established, over 500 caregivers and young adults trained in business management and financial literacy, 222 beneficiaries supported with cash grants, and another 156 trainees set to benefit from the renovated vocational centre.

These are not mere statistics. They represent families, young people and communities being given the tools to become self-reliant.

I particularly commend the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, for effectively championing the protection of children, women’s empowerment and social development under the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Her declaration that child labour must become a thing of the past in cocoa-producing communities across Ondo State is both timely and commendable. Children belong in schools and safe environments, while parents and caregivers must be empowered with sustainable livelihoods so that poverty does not force families to depend on child labour.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration is demonstrating that the fight against poverty and child labour requires more than government pronouncements. It requires skills, education, economic empowerment, community participation and strategic partnerships.

I also commend Save the Children International and The Hershey Company for choosing Ondo State and, specifically, the Paadi community for this intervention. Their investment demonstrates the value of responsible partnerships with government.

The commitments made by the Ondo East Local Government Chairman, Hon. Joshua Fola Ogundiyilemi, to provide a convenience facility and security personnel are equally commendable. Such commitments are important because sustainability begins with community ownership and responsible management.

The testimonies of beneficiaries who acquired skills in phone repair and welding are perhaps the most powerful evidence of the importance of this initiative. When a young person acquires a skill capable of putting food on the table, that is empowerment. When a family gains a sustainable source of income, that is poverty reduction. When a child is kept away from hazardous labour and given the opportunity to learn, that is development.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is showing that government can achieve more when it opens its doors to credible development partners and creates the right environment for interventions that directly touch the lives of ordinary people.

The Paadi project is therefore more than the commissioning of a renovated building. It is an investment in human capacity, a weapon against poverty, a pathway away from child labour and a foundation for a more prosperous Ondo State.

As DG Opomulero, I commend Governor Aiyedatiwa, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, Save the Children International, The Hershey Company, Ondo East Local Government and the Paadi community for this laudable achievement.

This is governance that empowers.
This is partnership that produces results.
This is Ondo State working.

Governor Aiyedatiwa is indeed lucky for Ondo State.

— Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael (DG Opomulero)
Director General, Opomulero Group