By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

A non-governmental organisation, the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society, has trained 40 women and young girls engaged in palm oil production in Osun State as part of efforts to promote agricultural entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

The programme, which drew participants from communities including Obokun, Otan-Ile and Itiya-Ijesa, was held in Itiya, Obokun Local Government Area, in collaboration with the Itiya-Ijesa Progressive Union and Afropride Art Collection Ltd.

Beneficiaries, drawn from various palm oil production groups across the communities, also received production tools to support their businesses.

Speaking after the training, YEDIS Founder and Executive Director, Rafiu Olaore, said agriculture remains a key driver of job creation and economic development.

He said the organisation is focused on supporting grassroots youths in agriculture as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, in line with global efforts to promote agriculture-driven employment opportunities.

Olaore also highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in modern agriculture, noting their role in climate change prediction, e-procurement systems and supply chain management.

According to him, digital innovation can significantly enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen agribusiness enterprises.

He added that YEDIS, as a United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)-accredited organisation, is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), through targeted empowerment initiatives.

Facilitators at the training, Opeyemi Adeoye and Oladele Taiwo, trained participants on the use of digital tools to improve their palm oil businesses.

Topics covered included e-commerce, digital banking, online marketing and the use of technology to expand market access.

A health expert, Mary Adebayo, also educated participants on hygiene practices, proper waste disposal and sustainable processing methods, stressing their importance for food safety, environmental protection and improved business outcomes.

Commending the initiative, the Obaala of Itiya-Ijesa, Chief Olajide, said the selection of the community for the programme would boost women’s economic activities in palm oil production.

Similarly, Chairman of the Itiya-Ijesa Progressive Union, Morufu Famakinwa, expressed appreciation for the training and agricultural tools provided to participants.

Representatives of youth and palm oil processors’ groups also praised YEDIS and its partners, noting that the intervention would significantly improve livelihoods and business operations.

The programme is part of YEDIS’ broader plan to empower 1,000 women and girls by December 2026. It began on May 23, 2026, with support from Afropride Art Collection Ltd, which donated 100 bowls to beneficiaries.

The first phase of the initiative focused on women involved in gari processing in Dagbolu, Osogbo, Osun State.