This July, the town of Owo in Ondo State took centre stage in celebrating the 10th anniversary of United Nations World Youth Skills Day, transforming ambition into practical action. In a pioneering move, 123 students were immersed in a week‑long tech bootcamp focused on drone engineering, AI integration, and robotics construction. The event, orchestrated by the Owo Local Government Council and in partnership with the King’s College African Leadership Centre for Technology, marked a significant milestone in youth empowerment and regional security innovation.
Table of Contents
Driving Purpose: Tech as a Vehicle for Social Change
A Timely Occasion
World Youth Skills Day, instituted by the UN in 2015, was created to emphasise the importance of technical and vocational training for young people, fostering innovation and bridging the skills gap across the globe. In Owo, this global framework resonated deeply with community aspirations.
Local Leadership, Global Vision
Hon. Tope Omolayo, Chairman of Owo Local Government, inaugurated the programme at the council secretariat. He emphasised the dual mission of the camp: empowering local youth and leveraging tech-savvy solutions in the fight against insecurity. Omolayo underlined that drone technology, integrated with GPS systems, offers strategic advantages in securing the extensive land area around Owo.
Tackling a Legacy of Insecurity
Owo’s recent history includes deeply traumatic security incidents: the brazen 2015 armed robbery spree on multiple banks and, more heartbreakingly, the Pentecost massacre of June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church, where over 40 worshippers lost their lives. The region also contends with ongoing kidnappings and banditry along major transit routes and rural communities since 2016.
Chairman Omolayo highlighted the initiative’s relevance: “Training youths in drone creativity and GPS tracking positions Owo to proactively counter security threats,” he said, stressing technology as a tool for community resilience.
From Classroom to Global Stage
In collaboration with the King’s College African Leadership Centre, the training curriculum melded aerodynamic fundamentals with real‑world AI applications and robotics design.
Mrs. Bolajoko Taiwo Olapeju‑Ayeni, co‑founder of the centre, emphasised aligning the camp with the Day’s theme, urging participants to “seize the opportunity to evolve as inventors in tech innovation.”
The immersive programme culminated in students showcasing their creations—ranging from prototype drones to AI-powered robots. Around 15 innovators earned recognition for standout projects, with winners receiving honoraria in celebration of World Youth Skills Day.
One inspiring project was developed by 18‑year‑old Olague Oghosa Melody, who worked alongside Osadolor Aisosa and Osemwengie Edith on an eco‑friendly straw‑board drone prototype. Melody praised the initiative: “We thank the trainers and urge sustained support to refine our prototype”.
Empowerment That Goes Beyond the Classroom
This initiative transcends mere technical skill-building. It represents a broader social statement:
- Local ownership of technology: By nurturing young Nigerian minds in drone and AI design, Owo is contributing to a burgeoning domestic tech ecosystem.
- Future‑ready workforce: Students gain abilities that qualify them for high‑growth sectors like maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, agriculture automation, and pixel‑perfect geospatial mapping.
- Global connectivity: Participants are set to embark on international “tech tours” to drone and innovation events in the UK and Canada—a launchpad for cross-border collaboration.
Such experiences broaden horizons, inviting students beyond campus walls and nurturing entrepreneurial or research‑oriented pathways.
Spotlight on Trailblazers
- Olague Oghosa Melody – Co‑creator of a sustainable straw‑board drone prototype; advocates for ongoing mentorship.
- Shanu Abu – Awarded for his robotics project, Abu voiced a pledge to apply his skills toward local security and educational enhancements.
- Several others – Individuals like Ayun Lolade Oluwalemibola and Imafidon Elvis Peter received accolades for their inventive contributions on World Youth Skills Day.
A Sustainable Path Forward
Officials in Owo are committed to more than just this one-off bootcamp. Plans are underway to:
- Establish permanent tech‑skill hubs for continuous learning.
- Integrate drone and GPS mapping into local environmental and security protocols.
- Forge private‑public partnerships with tech firms, universities, and NGOs to support startup incubation and funding networks.
Such investments aim to convert youthful potential into tangible economic and security dividends.
Why This Matters
This initiative carries weight on multiple fronts:
- Community resilience: Youth-led tech innovation amplifies local agency in SMS-era security solutions.
- Economic prospects: Training grounds like this nurture talent for pressing sectors including UAV manufacturing, smart agriculture, and urban planning.
- Global equity: Equipping African youth with digital proficiency reduces dependence on imported technology and promotes self-reliance.
- Inspiration: Visionary events like this reveal to young Nigerians that tech careers aren’t just accessible—they can drive meaningful change.
Conclusion
In marking World Youth Skills Day 2025, Owo has demonstrated how local ambition, when matched with strategic support and global vision, can empower youth to take ownership of their future. From crafting drones out of straw to earning a ticket to overseas innovation forums, 123 students now embody the promise of homegrown ingenuity.
Beyond the applause, the true test lies ahead: turning training into sustained progress. But for now, Owo’s pilot program is a beacon of what’s possible when potential meets opportunity—charting pathways for a safer, smarter, and more self‑empowered community.
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