By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a vibrant celebration of the 2026 World Youth Skills Day, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry Local Chapter, paid an inspiring visit to various Skill Acquisition Centres across the local government area. The visit served as a rallying cry for the importance of vocational training in fostering self-reliance, economic growth, and lasting peace within the community.
Observed annually on July 15th, World Youth Skills Day highlights the critical need to equip young people with the practical tools necessary for entrepreneurship and sustainable development. The NYCN delegation, led by Gbowe Gabriel the Badagry Chapter Coordinator, toured several facilities where local youths are honing their crafts in diverse trades, including fashion design, catering, ceramic arts, hairdressing, and ICT.
The atmosphere at the centers was one of focused ambition. Observers noted that the trainees demonstrated a high level of dedication, viewing their vocational pursuits as more than just a job, but as a pathway to professional independence.
"The visit aimed at recognizing the role of vocational training in tackling youth unemployment and preparing young people for self-reliance and nation-building," Gbowe Gabriel stated during the tour. "We interacted with the instructors and students, and we saw a strong commitment to learning and a determination to build careers with their hands and minds."
With the 2026 global theme, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," the delegation emphasized the transformative power of vocational education. Gabriel noted that when young people are gainfully employed and equipped with the right skills, they become less susceptible to social vices and more prone to innovation.
"This year’s theme reminds us that when youths are skilled, they are not only employable, they become agents of peace, innovation, and economic growth in their communities," he added.
The NYCN lauded the current administration for its investment in youth development, specifically acknowledging the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe. The Council noted that the Chairman’s vision in providing well-equipped and conducive learning environments has been a game-changer for the local centers.
Looking forward, the NYCN is advocating for sustained funding, the provision of modern tools, and enhanced mentorship programs. They argue that with increased support, Badagry’s skill acquisition centers have the potential to produce a new generation of artisans and entrepreneurs capable of driving economic development not just in Badagry, but throughout Lagos State and beyond.