The programme, which ran from March 3 to March 7, 2026, attracted 343 registrations, with 135 participants actively taking part in the training sessions.
According to organisers, about 50 of the active participants were young single mothers, reflecting the project’s focus on empowering vulnerable groups through practical and income-generating skills.
The initiative was organised by JCI Rockcity, a civic leadership and community development organisation, under the leadership of its president, JCIN Ambassador Olalekan Aroyehun.
The programme organising committee was chaired by Miss YewandeMaryam Odumala under the Directorate of Skills Developmentled by Mr Oluwadamilare Oladotun.
The training programme was hosted at the Olowu Palacethrough the support of HRM Oba Saka Matemilola, OluyaloOtileta VII, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, who opened the palace grounds for the community initiative.
Participants were trained in a range of vocational and creative sectors including painting and paint production, solar panel installation, crocheting, liquid soap and antiseptics production, shoe making, fashion designing, and tie-and-dye (Adire) production.
In addition to these vocational tracks, participants attended classes on photography and digital marketing, aimed at helping them improve product branding, marketing and digital visibility for small businesses. These digital sessions were conducted in the days preceding the official opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony drew several dignitaries including Oba Saka Matemilola, Queen Adijat Matemilola, Queen AmeenahAdeleye Matemilola, members of the Owu Royal Council of Chiefs, leaders and senators of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria, and representatives of the Ogun State Vocational Education Board, who attended on behalf of the Ogun State Commissioner for Education.
Addressing participants during the event, Queen AmeenahAdeleye Matemilola encouraged them to remain confident and determined regardless of their circumstances.
“Do not let your past dictate your future. Whatever situations you find yourself, know who you are. We are doing the little we can to help our society,” she said.
The queen also took part in the programme by co-facilitating the crocheting class and participating as a learner in the paint production training, a gesture that organizers said helped inspire participants.
Speaking on the purpose of the initiative, the project chairperson, Miss Yewande Maryam Odumala, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in community development.
“Everyone has a role to play in making our community a better place. Contribute your own quota and do the little you can to uplift others,” she said.
Participants were guided through practical sessions that allowed them to produce items and demonstrate skills learned during the training, and at the end of the programme they were issued certificates of participation.
The closing ceremony, held on March 7, was attended by several national leaders of JCI including JCI Nigeria Executive Vice President, JCIN Ambassador Idara Michael, and JCI Nigeria National Vice President for the South-West, JCIN Ambassador Olajumoke Adelabu, alongside members of the JCI Nigeria Board of Directors and JCI Senators.
Other dignitaries present included Mr Abiola Odetola, Special Assistant to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, and Mr Bashir, Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Abeokuta Local Government.
Commending the organisers, JCI Nigeria Ambassador IdaraMichael described the project as an enviable example of community-driven development.
“Putting this project together shows that we are keen on community impact and sustainable development,” she said, while also acknowledging the participation of women in the programme in the context of International Women’s Day celebrations.
As part of the programme’s follow-up support, mentors were identified to guide participants through a three-month internship phase aimed at helping them consolidate their newly acquired skills. In addition, Oba Saka Matemilola pledged empowerment support for 50 outstanding participants to help them establish their businesses, a move organisers said would strengthen the economic impact of the programme within the community.
The monarch and Queen Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola also commended JCI Rockcity for what they described as leadership and innovation in organising the skills acquisition initiative.
In a separate gesture during the closing ceremony, the project chairperson, Miss Odumala, received financial support totaling₦1.5 million from Mr Abiola Odetola, JCI Senator AdekunleBabatunde Samson (ABS), and JCI Senator Seun Balogun, in recognition of her leadership in coordinating the programme.
Partners supporting the initiative included Engr. (Dr.) DejiAshiru (eda) The Glitz Group, Ceetyland, and other stakeholders.
