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Dakiz Human Development And Empowerment Initiative, Ondo (2026)

09/10/2026

DHDEI BEGINS ENGAGEMENT WITH FCE ILAWE EKITI ON STUDENT SKILLS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, DHDEI, today paid a familiarization visit to the Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti, as part of its efforts to build meaningful relationships with institutions and advance its vision of empowering young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial capacity.

The Visionary of DHDEI, Akingbade Toluwa-Jolomi, met with the College Provost, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, alongside other principal officers of the Institution. Discussions focused on DHDEI's vision and opportunities to strengthen student development through practical skills and entrepreneurship.

A key outcome was the exploration of a collaboration aimed at ensuring that students are skilled, equipped and entrepreneurially minded before graduation. The proposed initiative would complement academic learning with practical skills and entrepreneurial awareness, better preparing students for employment, self employment and other opportunities beyond the classroom.

The DHDEI team also met with the Director, Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Gbemisola Oyewole, where further discussions centred on the role of skills development and entrepreneurship in preparing students for life after graduation.

Joining Akingbade Toluwa-Jolomi were Mr. Ikuegbayigbe John and Ms. Owowa Aanuoluwapo, both staff members of the Institution. Also present was Miss Odunayo, a student of the College who has been working to advance the vision of DHDEI within the Institution.

For DHDEI, the visit reflects a fundamental belief that education should go beyond the acquisition of certificates. Students should also graduate with practical abilities, entrepreneurial consciousness and the capacity to identify and pursue opportunities.

The visit marks an important step in DHDEI's engagement with the Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti, and reinforces its broader commitment to helping young people become skilled, equipped and ready for life beyond the classroom.

#𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

01/10/2026

NIGERIA AT 66: THE YOUTHS, OUR HOPE, OUR STRENGTH AND OUR FUTURE

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained independence, marking a historic milestone in our journey towards self determination, unity and development. As we commemorate the 66th anniversary of our independence, we reflect on our national achievements, acknowledge the challenges that remain and renew our commitment to a prosperous future. At the heart of this aspiration are our youths, whose creativity, resilience and determination remain vital to shaping the Nigeria we desire.

However, the journey towards a better Nigeria cannot be achieved without addressing the challenges confronting young people, including unemployment, economic hardship and limited opportunities. Dear Nigerian youths, despite these realities, do not surrender your dreams. Embrace education, acquire relevant skills, explore innovation and turn your ideas into practical solutions. Your background should not define your potential or limit your contributions to society.

Recognising the importance of equipping young people with the tools to overcome these challenges, the Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative (DHDEI) provides free skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, mentorship and empowerment programmes. I encourage Nigerian youths to connect with the organisation, participate in its activities and take advantage of these opportunities to develop their talents, achieve self reliance and build sustainable livelihoods.

While young people must take deliberate steps towards their personal development, creating an enabling environment for their success is a shared responsibility. I therefore call on the Federal and State Governments, private organisations, corporate institutions and well meaning individuals to support DHDEI through funding, training equipment, start up kits, mentorship and strategic partnerships. Such support will strengthen our programmes, expand access to skills development and empower more young Nigerians to become productive and economically independent.

Beyond acquiring skills and pursuing personal success, Nigerian youths must also embrace their responsibility towards nation building. I encourage you to take ownership of your future, support one another, uphold integrity and participate actively in your communities. Let us reject division, promote unity and advocate for accountable leadership through peaceful engagement. Our collective actions today will determine the opportunities and possibilities available to future generations.

As we mark this significant anniversary, let us move beyond celebration and translate our hopes into meaningful action. Through responsible leadership, active youth participation and sustained investment in human development, we can build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria where every young person has a fair opportunity to thrive. Together, let us commit to building a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.

Happy 66th Anniversary of Nigeria's Independence!

God bless Nigerian youths. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Professor Bolanle Ogungbamila
Board Chairman
Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative (DHDEI)

29/09/2026

After Years of Impact, DHDEI Eyes Ekiti, Edo, Oyo, Osun for 2027 Expansion

After years of implementing skills development and empowerment programmes, the Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, DHDEI, is looking beyond Ondo State as it prepares for a broader programme of engagement in 2027, with Ekiti, Edo, Oyo and Osun among the states being considered.

The proposed move comes after a development journey that has seen DHDEI implement programmes between 2017 and 2020 and continue its interventions in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. Over the period, the initiative has continued to refine its approach to skills acquisition, youth empowerment, human capacity development and community engagement.

What began with earlier interventions has gradually developed into a broader platform for connecting young people with opportunities to acquire practical knowledge and skills. Its programmes have involved students, graduates and other young people, with emphasis on skills that can complement academic qualifications and provide additional pathways for personal and economic development.

The years of implementation have also given DHDEI experience in working with beneficiaries, trainers, institutions and community stakeholders. Programme planning, coordination, monitoring and engagement have become important parts of its work, providing lessons that can now inform activities in new communities.

Speaking on the 2027 direction, DHDEI Visionary, Akingbade Toluwa-Jolomi, said the organisation was interested in reaching more young people with opportunities that could help them become more economically productive.

He said, “Our experience over the years has taught us that empowerment is not only about giving people opportunities to learn. It is also about creating an environment where what they learn can become useful in their lives. As we look towards 2027, we want to take that experience to more communities and work with people who share the same commitment to human development.”

The proposed programme is expected to involve partnerships with educational institutions, community leaders, youth organisations, trainers, businesses, government institutions, philanthropists and other development partners. Such collaboration will be important in identifying local needs and creating programmes that are relevant to prospective beneficiaries.

The initiative's emphasis on practical skills also reflects its view that formal education and skills acquisition can complement each other. For students and graduates in particular, vocational, entrepreneurial, creative and digital competencies can provide additional options as they prepare for employment, enterprise and other forms of productive engagement.

Ekiti, Edo, Oyo and Osun are currently among the states being considered for the 2027 programme, while other locations may also be explored as discussions and partnerships develop.

The proposed 2027 direction marks another stage in DHDEI's journey. After building experience through programmes implemented over the past decade, the initiative is now looking at how that experience can be taken to more communities while maintaining its focus on skills, opportunity and human development.

09/09/2026

From Free Training To Photography Career: DHDEI Celebrates Omosowone Fumbi, Urges Ambition

What began as an opportunity to learn photography at no training fee cost has developed into a promising professional journey for Omosowone Fumbi, a beneficiary of the Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, DHDEI, who is now practising as a photographer and serving as Senior Special Assistant on Photography to Hon. Oripenaye Maurice Arah, Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government.

Fumbi learnt photography under the tutelage of Ogunyemi Esther Mary at Mary Gold Studio through DHDEI’s skills empowerment intervention. She has since moved beyond training into active practice, building her creative identity through FB Grace Studio, a brand registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, with the influence and support of DHDEI contributing to that progression.

Her journey was celebrated at a ceremony attended by family members, photographers and members of the DHDEI community. Representing the Visionary of DHDEI, Akingbade Toluwa-Jolomi, Mr. Feyijimi Adesoji Fadson, Chairman, DHDEI Ilaje, congratulated Fumbi on her progress and charged her to remain ambitious in the photography and image creation career path.

Fadson urged her not to become complacent with the achievements already recorded, but to continue learning, improving her creative abilities and developing a distinctive identity within the industry. He encouraged her to see her current position as a platform for greater growth, greater value and wider impact, rather than as the destination of her professional journey.

The celebration attracted Fumbi’s parents, Primate and Mrs. Omosowone Oluwagbonju, as well as Hon. Faith Omorigi, Beti Photo, Shade Photo and other photographers from Ilaje. DHDEI Ambassadors and beneficiaries, Mr. Ikuemehinlo Segun, Mr. Omomobi Iseoluwa and Miss Rachel, were also present to celebrate the milestone and support a fellow beneficiary.

Fumbi’s story demonstrates the possibilities that practical skills training can unlock when learning is followed by determination, practice and opportunity. From acquiring photography skills without paying a training fee to practising professionally, building a registered creative brand and serving in a public appointment connected to her area of competence, her journey reflects the broader value of skills empowerment. For DHDEI, the achievement is not the end of the story, as Fumbi has been challenged to remain ambitious and take her photography career and FB Grace Studio to greater heights.

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08/09/2026

DHDEI Meets New AFUED Skills Directorate Director, Advances Plans For Greater Impact In 2027

The Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, DHDEI, has stepped up preparations for a more impactful 2027 as the organisation engaged the newly appointed Director of the Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Dr. Akinola Marshall.

The meeting provided an opportunity for DHDEI to formally brief Dr. Marshall on the organisation’s operations, programmes, achievements and impact, while presenting its plans and aspirations for 2027. The organisation also highlighted its commitment to doing more in the areas of skills development, youth/students empowerment and practical opportunities for beneficiaries.

Dr. Marshall commended DHDEI for its work and disclosed that he had been aware of the organisation’s activities even before his appointment as Director. His remarks provided further recognition of the visibility and relevance of DHDEI’s interventions within the youth development and skills empowerment space.

The Director further pledged the support of the Directorate whenever such support is required and considered necessary. The assurance is expected to provide an opportunity for continued engagement as DHDEI develops its programmes and explores ways of creating greater impact through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

The DHDEI team also held an insightful meeting with Professor Babajide Jelili, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, who previously served as Director of the Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. His experience in leading the Directorate added value to discussions around skills development, institutional engagement and the importance of equipping young people with practical competencies beyond formal academic qualifications.

As part of its preparations for 2027, the team also inspected the proposed venue for the next DHDEI Symposium, scheduled to hold in Ondo. The early visit forms part of the organisation’s planning process as it works towards another major platform for discussions, engagement and practical action around youth development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and empowerment.

The delegation comprised Akingbade Toluwa-Jolomi, Visionary, DHDEI; Ologun Gbemileke OreOfe, Coordinator, DHDEI AFUED; Oladele Justinah, Secretary, DHDEI AFUED; Owolabi Busayo, Member, DHDEI AFUED Committee; and beneficiaries of DHDEI programmes in AFUED, Adebanjo Stella, Gbenuola and Monday.

The engagements mark another step in DHDEI’s transition from consolidating previous achievements to deliberately planning for broader impact in 2027. With its proposed Symposium and other initiatives already receiving attention, the organisation is positioning the coming year as another opportunity to expand skills based interventions and create more meaningful pathways for young people.

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01/09/2026

DHDEI Intensifies Monitoring, Pays Unannounced Visits to 47 Centres, Meets 272 Beneficiaries

The Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, DHDEI, has stepped up its beneficiary monitoring exercise, with its team paying unannounced visits to 47 training and partner centres in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government, where 272 beneficiaries were reached.

The visits are part of the organisation's ongoing effort to monitor beneficiaries beyond enrolment and the commencement of training. At the centres, the team interacted directly with learners and observed the ongoing skills training, providing firsthand insight into the activities taking place across the various centres.

The monitoring team was led by the Visionary of DHDEI, Akingbade Toluwa-Jolomi, alongside Mr. Oyewole Goodluck and Mr. Feyijimi Adesoji Fadson, who led the committee responsible for the implementation of the 2026 Youth Empowerment Programme and Youth Empowerment Symposium. Beneficiaries of the organisation and other members of the DHDEI team also participated in the exercise.

The monitoring comes as DHDEI continues to maintain a substantial pool of active learners across its empowerment programmes. From the 2022, 2024 and 2026 programme cycles, more than 772 learners are currently undergoing various skills training, excluding beneficiaries who have graduated or completed their respective programmes.

The unannounced visits are also providing an opportunity for DHDEI to engage beneficiaries directly and assess the realities of training at the centres. By visiting the centres and meeting learners in person, the organisation is strengthening its follow up process and maintaining closer contact with participants throughout their training.

The exercise will continue in the coming days, with more than 60 additional training centres and over 500 beneficiaries still awaiting visitation. The team is expected to extend the exercise to other centres and communities across Ilaje.

With 47 centres already visited and 272 beneficiaries reached in the latest phase, DHDEI's monitoring exercise is becoming an important part of its wider approach to skills empowerment, ensuring that beneficiaries remain connected to the organisation throughout their training journey.

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25/08/2026

DHDEI Board Chairman Celebrates Muslim Faithful on Eid ul Mawlid

As Muslim faithful around the world commemorate Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, the Board Chairman of Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, Professor Bolanle Ogungbamila, extends his warmest greetings and felicitations to all Muslim members of the DHDEI family.

Professor Ogungbamila celebrates with members of the Board, trainers, beneficiaries, partners, and well wishers who are Muslims, and wishes them a peaceful and rewarding celebration. He prays that this special occasion will bring renewed hope, peace, joy, and blessings to them, their families, and communities.

Eid ul Mawlid provides an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values of compassion, humility, peaceful coexistence, service to humanity, and good character. These values remain relevant to building responsible individuals, stronger communities, and a society where people can live, work, and grow together in peace.

The Board Chairman prays that the Almighty Allah accepts the prayers and acts of worship of the Muslim faithful, strengthen their families, grant them wisdom and guidance, and bless their efforts with progress, prosperity and fulfilment.

At DHDEI, we remain strongly committed to promoting unity, empowering young people, and creating opportunities that improve lives and contribute meaningfully to human and community development. On behalf of the Board, Professor Ogungbamila wishes every Muslim member of the DHDEI family a peaceful, meaningful, and blessed Eid ul Mawlid celebration.

25/08/2026

DHDEI Begins 2027 AFUED Programme Preparations, Explores Alumni Hall Partnership

Preparations for the 2027 DHDEI Empowerment Programme at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, have already begun, and we are looking ahead to what promises to be another impactful edition.

As part of this early preparation, we visited the AFUED Alumni Directorate to discuss the possibility of using the Alumni Hall for our proposed April 2027 Empowerment Symposium.

During the meeting, we had a fruitful discussion with Dr. Charles Omotayo, National Secretary, AFUED Alumni Association and Director, Alumni Directorate, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo.

We explored a partnership that could give DHDEI access to the Alumni Hall at a highly reduced cost, with the payment expected to cover only essential logistics such as fueling and other operational needs.

I was joined by Miss Oladele Justinah, Secretary, DHDEI; Mr. OreOfe, one of our products from the tailoring programme; Miss Anthonia, a tailoring beneficiary; and Mr. Samuel, a beneficiary of our barbing programme.

Their presence was significant to me because DHDEI is not only about training young people, but also about creating a community where beneficiaries can grow, contribute and become part of the process of creating opportunities for others.

For us, preparing early is part of getting the details right. We want the 2027 programme at AFUED to build on what we have achieved in previous editions while creating more opportunities for young people to acquire practical skills, develop their enterprise capacity and connect their skills to real economic opportunities. The journey to April 2027 has started, and we are taking it one meaningful partnership at a time.

Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Nigeria

18/08/2026

From Skills to Opportunity: Ilaje Chairman Appoints DHDEI Product as Special Assistant, Patronises Certified Fashion Entrepreneur

The Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Hon. Amona Maurice Ola Oripenaye (ARAH), has shown practical support for youth skills development by appointing a beneficiary of the Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, DHDEI, as Special Assistant on Photography and Graphic Design, while also patronising another certified beneficiary of the organisation.

Miss Oluwafunmibi Grace Omosowone, who was trained in photography through DHDEI, was appointed Special Assistant to the Chairman on Photography and Graphic Design, with the appointment taking immediate effect. The appointment was formally presented to her on Monday, 17 August 2026, at the Chairman's office at the Local Government Secretariat, Igbokoda.

According to the official statement from the Chairman's office, the appointment is aimed at improving photography, visual communication and media production within the Chairman's office. While presenting the appointment, Hon. Oripenaye encouraged Omosowone to bring competence, commitment and professionalism to her new responsibility. He also reaffirmed his determination to strengthen the effectiveness of his media team.

For Omosowone, the appointment is more than a new position. It is an opportunity to put the skills she acquired through DHDEI to work in a professional setting. Her journey reflects one of the outcomes DHDEI seeks from its empowerment programmes, where training does not end with a certificate but creates a pathway towards work, experience and economic independence.

The Chairman also patronised Mr. Ikuemehinlo Segun, a certified beneficiary of DHDEI's fashion design programme and a fashion entrepreneur operating in Igbokoda. Mr. Segun took the Chairman's measurements for a fashion design service, giving him direct patronage and an opportunity to put his professional training and enterprise to work.

Segun's story adds another important dimension to the impact of the programme. After completing his training and becoming certified in fashion design, he established his own enterprise in Igbokoda. He has also become a partner of DHDEI, contributing to the training of other young people in Ilaje.

His journey therefore goes beyond becoming a skilled entrepreneur. He has moved from being a trainee to becoming a certified professional, an entrepreneur and now part of the process of preparing other young people for the same journey.

The Chairman's latest actions also build on his earlier ₦500,000 support to DHDEI and his pledge to continue collaborating with the organisation on youth skills empowerment. Taken together, the support, appointment and patronage demonstrate different ways public leadership can help transform skills training into real opportunities for young people.

For DHDEI, the significance of the Chairman's actions goes beyond the two beneficiaries involved. They provide a practical example of what can happen when trained youths receive the recognition, patronage and opportunities needed to use their skills.

DHDEI therefore appreciates Hon. Amona Maurice Ola Oripenaye for recognising the value of practical skills and for supporting young people who are building their livelihoods through vocational training and entrepreneurship.

The organisation also encourages government officials, corporate organisations, institutions, community leaders and individuals to patronise and engage the services of DHDEI beneficiaries across their various areas of competence. Many of those trained through the organisation have gone on to establish businesses, provide professional services and, like Segun, contribute to training other young people.

The experiences of Omosowone and Segun tell two sides of the same story. One has moved from skills training into professional opportunity, while the other has moved from training into certification, entrepreneurship and the training of others.

This is the kind of progression DHDEI seeks to promote: from skills acquisition to certification, from certification to enterprise, and from enterprise to meaningful opportunity.

For DHDEI, youth empowerment must go beyond certificates. Young people need opportunities to practise what they have learnt, customers willing to patronise their services, institutions willing to engage them and leaders willing to create platforms where their skills can become sources of livelihood.

The lesson from Ilaje is simple: train the youth, certify the skill, create the opportunity, patronise the enterprise and empower the next generation.

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LEAD Awards - Leadership Excellence And Dignity Awards

17/08/2026

Ilaje Council Chairman Backs DHDEI with ₦500,000, Appoints Beneficiary as Official Photographer, Pledges Youth Empowerment Partnership

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Oripenaye Maurice Arah, has donated ₦500,000 to support the Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative, DHDEI, following his attendance at the organisation's Start Up Kits distribution in Igbokoda.

The donation came as DHDEI distributed Start Up Kits worth ₦1.1 million to beneficiaries of its youth empowerment programme on Saturday, 15 August 2026, as part of efforts to help trained young people transition from vocational training into enterprise and self employment.

Beyond the financial support, Hon. Oripenaye Maurice Arah appointed Miss Omosowone Fumbi, a photography beneficiary of DHDEI, as his Official Photographer. The appointment provides the young entrepreneur with an opportunity to deploy her acquired skills professionally and gain direct access to patronage.

The Chairman also indicated his readiness to patronise the services of Mr. Ikuemehinlo Segun, a fashion design beneficiary of DHDEI, provides another opportunity for a trained young person to put his skills into practical use and generate income.

The Chairman further pledged to collaborate with DHDEI on youth skills empowerment, signalling his interest in supporting initiatives that equip young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills.

His intervention therefore extended beyond financial assistance to include professional patronage and opportunities for DHDEI beneficiaries to apply their skills in real economic settings.

The development aligns with DHDEI's longstanding approach to youth empowerment, which emphasises that training and certificates should be complemented by access to start up tools, patronage, professional opportunities and pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

The intervention followed the organisation's 2026 Ilaje Youth Empowerment Symposium held on Saturday, 8 August 2026, under the theme, “Beyond Certificates: Building Skilled Youths for Jobs, Enterprise and Economic Survival.” The symposium focused on the need to move youth empowerment beyond certificates towards practical skills, enterprise development and economic survival.

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Dakiz Human Development And Empowerment Initiative

09/10/2026

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29/09/2026

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25/08/2026

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