By Esther Onyegbula

In a move aimed at tackling youth unemployment and promoting renewable energy adoption, Comrade Damilare Adebowale Bashir has concluded a week-long skills acquisition and empowerment programme for youths in Ward F, Alausa, with beneficiaries receiving certificates in solar installation and repairs.

The training, which ran from Tuesday to Saturday, attracted a large turnout of young people seeking practical knowledge in the fast-growing solar energy sector. Participants were exposed to the fundamentals of solar technology, including installation techniques, maintenance procedures and basic troubleshooting.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Bashir, who is contesting to represent Ikeja Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC), presented certificates to the trainees and commended their dedication throughout the programme.

He urged them to leverage the skills acquired to improve their economic prospects, stressing that technical expertise remains a viable pathway to self-reliance.

“This training is not just about acquiring certificates, but about equipping you with practical skills that can transform your lives. The solar energy sector holds vast opportunities, and I encourage you to take full advantage of it,” he said.
Bashir also used the occasion to call on the youths to actively participate in civic responsibilities by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of forthcoming elections.

“Youths must not only be economically empowered but also politically conscious. Your participation in the electoral process is key to shaping policies that will determine your future,” he added.

Organisers of the programme said the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact by creating a pool of trained individuals capable of providing solar-related services within their communities, while also encouraging entrepreneurship and grassroots development.

Some of the participants described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that the hands-on training and certification would enhance their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.

“This opportunity has opened my eyes to a new skill I can build on. With what I’ve learned, I can start something on my own or even secure a job,” one of the beneficiaries said.
They commended Bashir for the initiative and called for its expansion to accommodate more youths across the constituency.

Bashir further appealed to public office holders to prioritise youth-focused programmes, emphasising that sustained investment in skills development remains critical to addressing unemployment and driving inclusive growth.