Igboora, Oyo State — Former member of the House of Representatives, Dr Ajibola Saubana Muraina, has empowered no fewer than 100 residents of Ibarapa zone in Oyo State through a vocational training programme on paint-making, aimed at tackling unemployment and promoting self-reliance among youths and women.
The two-day training, which took place at the Teachers’ Plaza, Igboora, was facilitated by the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) in collaboration with Dr Muraina, who represented Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly.
Speaking at the closing ceremony and certificate presentation on Thursday, Muraina said the initiative formed part of his ongoing commitment to community development and youth empowerment across Ibarapaland.
> “Our objective is to equip our people with practical skills that can generate income, reduce dependence, and ultimately improve living standards,” he said.
“With the training in paint production, each participant now has a chance to build a small-scale enterprise and contribute meaningfully to our local economy.”
He further announced plans to provide boreholes in strategic locations across Ibarapa to alleviate the region’s perennial water-supply challenges, describing access to potable water as a basic right that supports health and productivity.
The former lawmaker also urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area to remain united and focused on service to the people, noting that internal harmony was crucial for sustainable development.
Beneficiaries, who were drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North local government areas, expressed appreciation to Muraina for the life-changing opportunity. Some participants received start-up kits and certificates after the training.
One of the trainees, Mrs. Abosede Oke, said the programme had given her “a renewed hope of starting a small business,” adding that “with little capital support, we can begin production immediately.”
Community leaders at the event commended Muraina’s consistency in community service, describing him as “a leader whose developmental touch cuts across political seasons.”
Analysts observed that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment and create value-added enterprises in Oyo State. It also underscores the growing recognition that skills acquisition remains one of the most sustainable paths to inclusive economic growth.
