The Convener of The Entrepreneur’s Forge (TEF) Youth Summit, Miss Opeyemi Ahmed, has urged governments at all levels to establish and strengthen skill acquisition centres across the country to equip young people with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship and reduce dependence.
Ahmed made the call at a youth summit organised by TEF in collaboration with the Modupe Afiz Ogun Foundation in Owo, Ondo State, to mark the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Youth Health, Innovation and Mental Health.”
She stressed that young people remained critical to the future of every nation and must be deliberately prepared for the responsibilities ahead through access to relevant skills, mentorship and meaningful opportunities.
Ahmed commended the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Ogun, for establishing a skill acquisition centre in Owo, describing the initiative as a significant intervention capable of strengthening vocational and technical skills development among youths.
Speaking on “Digital Life and Youth Mental Awareness,” the keynote speaker, Dr Modupe Afiz Ogun, raised concerns over the excessive use of the internet and social media among young people, noting that digital platforms had increasingly influenced youth behaviour and created unrealistic perceptions of life.
Dr Ogun, who pledged continued support for youth development, noted that although digital competence was essential in the modern economy, practical and vocational skills remained indispensable.
She therefore encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities provided by the ITF to acquire vocational skills, become economically productive and contribute meaningfully to society.In a goodwill message, the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mr Toheeb Omoloja, urged youths to remain focused, disciplined and committed to personal development.
He said the state government remained open to supporting credible and innovative initiatives capable of empowering young people and contributing to the socio-economic development of Ondo State.
Some youth representatives at the summit also called for greater attention to mental health awareness and support, noting that many young people were facing emotional and psychological pressures without trusted persons to confide in.
They warned that leaving such challenges unattended could make vulnerable youths susceptible to negative influences and harmful choices.
Dignitaries at the event included the Elemure of Emure, Oba Bankole Adeyefa; the Olupenmen of Upenmen, Oba EbenezerAdewumi Ogunmolasuyi; Owo-based industrialist, Engineer Tunji Okunrunboye; students undergoing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in furniture making and welding, as well as artisans from across Ondo State.
The summit also featured the presentation of Distinguished Role Model Awards to the ITF Director-General, Dr Afiz Ogun, and Dr Mrs Modupe Ogun.
Awards were equally presented to selected young people recognised for using social media to promote indigenous Owo culture, activities and heritage.
