On October 6, 2025, the atmosphere was electric at the Federal Polytechnic Ayede (FEDPA) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, as the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society – YEDIS Entrepreneurial Workshop kicked off. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as more than a thousand vibrant young students gathered, each exuding energy and ambition. Eager to learn new skills and share their inspiring stories, they fostered a spirit of collaboration that filled the room with enthusiasm and the promise of innovation.
This extraordinary workshop stemmed from a landmark partnership forged in 2024, when YEDIS and FEDPA entered a two-year Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration is dedicated to empowering students with essential entrepreneurial skills, serving as a powerful catalyst for job creation and economic development in the region.
The day began with an invigorating keynote address from Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, the passionate Founder and Executive Director of YEDIS. He urged the audience to seize control of their futures through courageous leadership and entrepreneurial ventures, particularly the underserved youth. Rafiu stressed the importance of involving young people in these initiatives, envisioning a sustainable future that thrives on innovation. His powerful words were not confined to the workshop; they aimed to reshape entrepreneurship education policies and nurture an inclusive, forward-thinking digital economy.
One of the workshop’s highlights was Ms Kabirah Olaore’s captivating presentation on the vibrant intersection of food and agriculture. Her infectious enthusiasm illuminated how these two sectors intertwine to create jobs and invigorate local economies. Kabirah’s insights not only showcased cutting-edge practices but also reinforced the essential role of sustainable agriculture in crafting a brighter tomorrow for communities around the globe. Her compelling message inspired participants to dream big and explore opportunities.
The workshop featured various dynamic presentations from the YEDIS team, including Mr Ranti Ogunrinade’s exploration of the transformative power of artificial intelligence for economic advancement and Mr Ola Timothy’s innovative tips on marketing strategies that unlock business success in today’s ever-evolving landscape. Mrs Mary Adebayo introduced fresh perspectives on waste management, presenting new approaches that foster environmental sustainability while generating employment opportunities.
Adding to the excitement, ten enthusiastic participants aged 18 to 22 took the stage to share their personal entrepreneurial journeys, many inspired by family businesses. Among them was the remarkable 19-year-old, Ms Seyi Dorcas, who captivated the audience with her tale of how her hands-on experience in her mother’s hairstyling business has ignited her creativity and funded her education. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Emmanuel shared his artistic journey, learning the ropes from his father and turning his passion for art into a means of supporting his studies.
Reflecting on the wealth of experiences gained through the YEDIS-FEDPA partnership, hundreds of participants enthusiastically discussed their explorations into various business sectors like e-commerce, electrical work, fashion design, content creation, and Fintech, all aimed at generating daily income and advancing their managerial skills. This workshop was more than just an event; it was a jubilant celebration of fresh starts, innovative ideas, and a generation ready to embrace the challenges of tomorrow.
Rafiu shared links for participants to volunteer and learn more about job opportunities, including the United Nations volunteer website, unv.org.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Rector, Engr. Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, the Top Management team, Mr Oluwaseun Owojori, the Director of the Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, the dedicated staff, and the dynamic students of FEDPA, for their unwavering support in making this partnership a beacon of job creation, especially for underserved youth.
Keynote Speech video link:
Keynote file link: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:0251cf6a-60c8-4a5a-9172-da153af487d9