By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Rector, Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Dr. Olufemi Moses Olubamise, has urged parents and government at all levels to encourage our youths to pursue good vocational skills that can sustain them in their future endeavors.
Dr. Olubamise, who also doubled as the special guest of honour and keynote speaker at the third inaugural graduation ceremony of the Egbo Ohun Alore Empowerment Initiative Center on 20th December, 2025, applauded the leadership of the Egbo Ohun Alore Ministry (EGAM) for their sustained commitment to human capacity development and community empowerment.
In his keynote address, Dr. Olubamise implored parents, community leaders, government agencies, private-sector players, and development partners to continue supporting initiatives that encourage youth engagement in vocational pursuits. Adding that empowerment is most effective when it is collaborative.
He paid a special heartfelt compliment to the Executive Director for the great initiative, Prof. Grace Adeola Adegoye, a highly cerebral, disciplined, and dedicated individual. He lauded her humility, respect for mentorship, and passion for the empowerment vision.
Dr. Olubamise described and appreciated Prof. Adegoye’s intellectual depth, administrative competence, and unwavering commitment, which have clearly translated into the remarkable progress we are witnessing and celebrating.
He noted that the occasion is doubly significant and unique in every respect. This event is significant; not only are we celebrating the successful completion of a six-month vocational training programme, but we are also witnessing the commissioning of this magnificent auditorium, a visible symbol of growth, vision, and institutional maturity. It is indeed a day of joy, gratitude, and renewed hope.
According to him, “Empowerment goes beyond the acquisition of skills; it is about restoring dignity, unlocking potential, and enabling self-reliance. The EGAM Empowerment Initiative Center has demonstrated that when vocational education is anchored on strong values and vision, individuals are transformed and communities are strengthened”.
He hinted that in the face of rising unemployment and economic challenges, especially among youths and women, vocational and technical education remains a proven pathway to sustainable livelihoods. It also equips individuals not merely to seek employment, but to create value, generate income, and become contributors to national development.
While congratulating the celebrants, the special guest of honour said, “Dear graduands, today marks a milestone in your journey. You have successfully completed a rigorous and transformative training programme, and for this, I congratulate you wholeheartedly. I must emphasize that your certificate is not the destination; it is the key to the next door.”
He urged the graduands to be disciplined, creative, and committed. “What will determine your success is your discipline, creativity, integrity, and commitment to continuous improvement. Let excellence distinguish your work. Let honesty guide your dealings. Let perseverance define your journey”.
He observed that skills open doors, but character sustains opportunities.
He lauded the commitment of the leadership, the entire leadership of the Egbo Ohun Alore Ministry, and the Management of the EGAM Empowerment Initiative Center for embracing a holistic empowerment model, one that nurtures the mind, equips the hands, and strengthens moral values.
His words: “The commissioning of this auditorium today stands as evidence that vision, when matched with discipline, collaboration, and faith, yields tangible results. I encourage the Center to continue expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and tracking the long-term impact of its graduates”.
He implored parents, community leaders, government agencies, private-sector players, and development partners to continue supporting initiatives that encourage youths to engage in vocational activities. Adding that empowerment is most effective when it is collaborative.
“When we invest in vocational education, we invest in economic stability, social harmony, and national progress.”
Others who spoke with journalists commended the founder and leadership of Egbo Ohun Alore Ministry (EGAM), the executive director of the EGAM Empowerment Initiative Center, Prof. G. A. Adegoye, the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. Adegoye, distinguished guests, members of the Board and Management of the Center, trainers and facilitators, and congratulated graduating trainees on this accomplishment.
