The Sine Qua Non (SQN) Foundation has marked International Youth Day 2025 with an empowerment programme in Isheri Olofin, Lagos, themed “From Passion to Profession: Vocational Skills for Youth Empowerment.”
The event brought together youths, educators, entrepreneurs, and traditional leaders to champion a shared goal: equipping young people with practical skills to navigate today’s challenging economic climate.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello, the Oba of Isheri Olofin Kingdom, hosted the gathering. Represented by Olori Bello, the monarch commended the initiative for prioritising vocational training.
“Success today goes beyond academics. A skill can break financial barriers and help young people build a sustainable future,” she said, urging both parents and youth to embrace hands-on learning as a path to self-reliance.
Guest speaker and educationist, Mr. Tomi Otebade, warned that the job market for white-collar employment is saturated.
“Your degree is not enough anymore. We are in a global economic crisis, and the only way out is to pick up a skill,” he said, adding that many government-run training centres in Lagos remain underused due to a lack of awareness.
Otebade also praised SQN Foundation’s founder, Mr. Emmanuel Oyedepo, for his dedication to youth development, noting, “Mr. Oyedepo is doing an incredible job. If we had more like him, our society would be much better.”
SQN Foundation Programme Manager, Mr. Henry Madufor, representing the founder, said the organisation’s mission is to redirect youths from excessive social media use to skill acquisition.
“This programme is our way of showing that passion can be turned into a profession. We will sponsor selected participants for advanced vocational training and track their progress through mentorship,” he explained.
The event also featured practical advice from professionals including a lawyer and HR consultant, Mildred Jaja; fashion designer Adewale Adetunji; and Oluchi, founder of Nails and Lush. They urged the youths to seize the opportunity, stressing that skills offer a more reliable path to stability than certificates alone.
Charging the youth to take full advantage of opportunities on offer, Jaja said: “Many of us never got this chance of learning skills, so don’t waste it. Develop your skill, it will open doors, your certificate alone may not.”
For Adetunji, he reminded the attendees that “education is great, but in this economy, it’s not enough. Skills are what will sustain you and your family.”
On her part. Oluchi shared her journey into nail artistry and encouraged the youths to value customer service and product knowledge.
“If you treat clients right, they’ll refer others. Learn well, and don’t rush into shortcuts,” she added.
Closing the event, SQN Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through scholarships, mentorship, and continuous engagement. Across all contributions, one message was clear: the future will belong to young people who are not only educated but also skilled, resourceful, and entrepreneurial.
