The Progressive Tradesmen and Artisan Association of Nigeria (PROTAN), Oyo State Chapter, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development (OYAYD), Prince Falana Adebowale Adebayo, to reaffirm its solidarity and pledge continued support for the agency’s youth-focused programmes.
The visit was led by members of the PROTAN State Executive Council alongside Local Government Coordinators across the state, who converged on the agency to formally pay homage to the chairman and strengthen collaboration in advancing youth and artisan development across Oyo State.
Speaking during the visit, leaders of PROTAN commended the chairman for his numerous impactful initiatives, noting that many of their members are direct beneficiaries of several empowerment programmes they had previously only seen or heard about on television and radio. They acknowledged the visible progress recorded by the association under Prince Falana’s leadership and prayed for God’s continued guidance and direction for him to achieve greater exploits at the agency.
The association also expressed profound gratitude to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for providing the enabling environment and opportunity that has allowed the agency to thrive, while appealing for continued support to further expand empowerment opportunities for artisans and tradesmen across the state.
PROTAN further appealed to the chairman to expand opportunities available to its members, expressing a strong desire to benefit more from ongoing and future empowerment initiatives of the agency.
In his remarks, the Coordinating Director of the Agency, Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo, praised PROTAN for their discipline and commendable conduct over the past year, describing them as one of the best umbrella bodies the agency has worked with. He called for sustained cooperation and support to enable the agency to achieve more positive and impactful outcomes going forward.
Mr. Sangogade also lauded the chairman’s doggedness, resilience, and visionary leadership, attributing the transformation of the agency—from a once moribund institution to one now widely acknowledged and celebrated across the state—to Prince Falana’s commitment and drive.
Responding, Prince Falana Adebowale Adebayo expressed deep appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for the foresight and confidence reposed in him to serve the youth of Oyo State. He also thanked Otunba Seyi Famojuro for believing in his capacity, as well as the management and staff of the agency for their dedication and collective efforts in ensuring that all projects see the light of day.
The chairman emphasized that all initiatives embarked upon by the agency are deliberately designed to promote sustainable youth development and to break new grounds across the state, adding that the achievements of the agency are evident and firmly in the public domain.
Prince Falana further stressed the importance of unity among various youth and artisan associations, stating that collective effort remains the foundation for achieving greater success. He cautioned against politicising youth programmes, clarifying that the agency exists solely for the development of all youths in Oyo State, irrespective of political affiliation, whether PDP, APC, or otherwise.
Reaffirming his resolve, the chairman stated that his purpose at the agency is strictly youth development and that he remains committed to this mandate until his last day in office. He assured PROTAN of a “bumper-to-bumper” rollout of projects that will cut across all zones of the state.
He disclosed plans for zonal skills training and empowerment programmes, adding that skill acquisition initiatives will soon commence in remote areas. He urged the association to nominate competent trainers from within their ranks and across zones to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer, requesting that a comprehensive list be submitted within two weeks.
Prince Falana also provided updates on the ongoing agency building project, noting that upon completion, staff will fully resume operations at the facility, thereby strengthening engagement and ensuring closer interaction with stakeholders.
Those present at the meeting included the Coordinating Director, Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo, Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Osungbaro, and Asiwaju YSO Oladunni, among others.
