On October 6, 2025, an energetic atmosphere prevailed at the Federal Polytechnic Ayede (FEDPA) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, as the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) Entrepreneurial Workshop commenced. The venue was filled with energy as over a thousand young students gathered, each demonstrating ambition. Eager to acquire new skills and share their inspiring stories, they fostered a spirit of collaboration that infused the room with enthusiasm and potential for innovation.
This notable workshop originated from a significant partnership established in 2024, when YEDIS and FEDPA entered into a two-year Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration is dedicated to empowering students with essential entrepreneurial and digital innovation skills, serving as a catalyst for job creation and regional economic growth.
The day commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, the dedicated Founder and Executive Director of YEDIS. He encouraged the young participants to take control of their futures through courageous leadership and entrepreneurial endeavours, particularly targeting underserved youth. Rafiu emphasised the importance of engaging young people in these initiatives, envisioning a sustainable future driven by innovation. His impactful words extended beyond the workshop, aiming to influence entrepreneurship education policies, including digital innovation and artificial intelligence, to foster decent jobs and an inclusive, progressive digital economy.
While moderating the practical sessions, Rafiu Olaore urged participants and the institution to integrate artificial intelligence productively. He highlighted the significance of AI in education and meaningful employment opportunities.
A notable highlight was Ms Kabirah Olaore’s engaging presentation concerning the vibrant nexus of food and agriculture. Her contagious enthusiasm demonstrated how these sectors intertwine to generate employment and stimulate local economies. Kabirah’s insights not only highlighted cutting-edge practices but also reinforced the critical role of sustainable digital agriculture in creating a promising future for communities worldwide. Her compelling message motivated participants to aspire to higher heights and explore diverse opportunities.
The workshop also featured several dynamic presentations by the YEDIS team, including Mr Ranti Ogunrinade’s analysis of artificial intelligence’s transformative potential for economic development and Mr Ola Timothy’s innovative marketing strategies applicable to contemporary business success. Mrs Mary Adebayo offered fresh perspectives on waste management, presenting novel approaches that promote environmental sustainability while creating employment opportunities.
Enhancing the event’s vibrancy, ten enthusiastic participants aged 18 to 22 shared their entrepreneurial journeys, many inspired by family businesses. Among them was the impressive 19-year-old Ms Seyi Dorcas, who captivated the audience with her story of how hands-on experience in her mother’s hairstyling enterprise kindled her creativity and financed her education. Additionally, 20-year-old Emmanuel recounted his artistic journey, learning from his father and transforming his passion for art into a means of supporting his academic pursuits.
Reflecting on the extensive experiences gained through the YEDIS-FEDPA collaboration, hundreds of participants actively discussed their ventures across various business sectors, including e-commerce, electrical work, fashion design, content creation, and Fintech, all aimed at generating daily income and enhancing skills. This workshop was more than an event; it was an exuberant celebration of new beginnings, innovative ideas, and a generation poised to confront future challenges.
Rafiu provided complimentary links for participants to engage in volunteering, develop digital skills and AI capabilities, and explore leadership skills and employment opportunities, through platforms such as the United Nations Volunteer website (unv.org), UNITAR (unitar.org), ITCILO (itcilo.org), World Bank Group Institute (wbginstitute.org), and the British Council professional development series.
On behalf of YEDIS, Rafiu Olaore extended an appreciation to the Rector of the Polytechnic, 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 energetic students of FEDPA, for their steadfast support in establishing this partnership as a beacon of job creation, particularly for disadvantaged youth.
Link to Rafiu Olaore’s Keynote Speech: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:b2f21ee2-ce2c-4cb2-b3cb-58749d709410
