[PHOTOS] Arewa Offa, Mustapha Amidat Concludes Skill Acquisition, Exhibition Programme

The reigning Arewa Offa, Ms. Mustapha Amidat Oluwaferanmi, yesterday, Friday, September 19, 2025 hosted the closing ceremony of a 10-day skill acquisition programme at the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Hall, Offa, Kwara State.

The programme, which began on September 10, featured training in bead-making, tie and dye, soap production, computer graphics, barbing, snacks preparation, crocheting, lip gloss and Adire making, among others.

It ended with an exhibition where participants displayed the skills they had acquired.

In her opening remarks, Amidat appreciated the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon. Sulaiman Omituntun, the Arakunrin Foundation, instructors, dignitaries, and participants for their support in making the initiative a success.

“This is not just a skill acquisition; it is an avenue to empower individuals, reduce unemployment and inspire self-reliance,” she said, urging the audience to pay attention as the participants showcased their work.

The Yeye Majeobaje of Offa, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Rasheedat Olatinwo, commended Amidat for the initiative, describing it as one that could lead to greater success. She encouraged youths to balance education with vocational skills.

“There is space for education, and so is it for skill; they work hand in hand. Balance it,” she said, while narrating how skill development once lifted a poor woman out of poverty and into the limelight.

The event featured exhibitions ranging from barbing to crocheting, lip gloss production, and Adire making. The best students in each category were awarded start-up equipment, while certificates of participation were presented by dignitaries.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Peju Babalola lauded Amidat for her foresight, describing her as “one of the best Arewas ever.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Amidat explained her inspiration for organising the programme.

“When I look around the society, I observed most youths are jobless, so I thought of a way to reduce it and that was why I came up with this skill acquisition,” she said. She further urged entrepreneurs struggling to grow their businesses to keep improving, learning, and being prayerful.

Also speaking, Mrs. Yetunde Khadijat Hussein, an instructor in crocheting, advised the participants not to relent.

“Always take your leisure time as an opportunity to learn a skill because it is beyond what you think of it,” she said.

A participant, Salako Amidat, commended the organisers and her instructors, saying the opportunity would never be taken for granted.

Dignitaries at the event included Alaafin Alhaji Mustapha Abioye, Alhaji Bello, Alhaji Yusuf Ishola, Alhaji Omoluabi, Alhaja Idiat Abiola Dada, Hon. BJ Dauda, and ESV Olaniyi Kafilat Jumoke, among others.