Gov. Abiodun Backs Arewa Empowerment Drive, Promises Skills Development Support

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of the Arewa community through targeted empowerment and human capital development initiatives.

The Governor made this known on Wednesday May 6, while receiving members of the South West Arewa Community’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Asiwaju 2027, led by its Director-General, Shehu Usman, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Gov. Abiodun praised the Arewa Community for maintaining peaceful coexistence with their host communities across the South West, stressing that equipping individuals with relevant skills remains key to preventing exploitation for disruptive activities.

He assured the delegation of his administration’s readiness to support initiatives that promote productivity and self-reliance among community members.

“We will prioritise human capital development for our Arewa brothers so they are not used as instruments of destruction. I am committed to supporting any initiative that aligns with this goal,” the Governor stated.

Addressing the risks associated with youth unemployment, Abiodun emphasised the importance of engagement and opportunity in shaping positive outcomes for young people.

According to him, providing access to meaningful opportunities helps prevent youths from falling into the hands of individuals who may exploit their vulnerability.

The Governor also expressed openness to partnering with the group in designing tailored empowerment programmes that align with the specific needs of the Arewa Community.

“I am willing to collaborate with you to develop practical initiatives that will empower your people. Identifying viable skills and engagement pathways will be critical in improving livelihoods,” he added.

He further commended the group’s leadership within the Arewa community in the South West, noting that such efforts play a vital role in promoting unity, reducing misinformation, and strengthening inter-ethnic understanding.