..calls for greater community support
Retired Rear Admiral Aliyu Baba Lawal paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Craft Innovation Hub (CIH) at Agbo Oba, Ilorin, Kwara State, applauding its unique approach to youth empowerment and vocational training. The visit highlighted the Hub’s increasing prominence as a transformative force in the state’s economic and social development.
Rear Admiral Lawal arrived at CIH at about 3:25pm, warmly received by founder Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun and the management team amidst enthusiasm from trainees and community members. Lawal, a respected figure with a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, was immediately drawn into an interactive tour of the facility, which showcased CIH’s state-of-the-art vocational and technological training resources.
Addressing attendees during a roundtable interaction, Lawal disclosed his discovery of the hub via an online report by Vanguard, noting the exceptional alignment between CIH’s vision and the developmental needs of Kwara State.
“I was immediately attracted by the Hub’s distinctive approach of blending advanced technological education with practical vocational skills, which is highly beneficial for our youth,” Lawal remarked. He pledged a generous donation, sponsorship of family members for training programmes, and volunteered to serve as a course facilitator, emphasising the importance of community engagement.
CIH founder, Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun, expressed profound appreciation for Lawal’s visit and commitments. “Rear Admiral Lawal’s visit is not merely ceremonial. It underscores his genuine commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and strategic collaboration. His involvement lends credibility and inspires broader community and governmental support.”
Lawal, renowned for his post-retirement activities in public speaking and strategic mentorship, has notably contributed to various youth-oriented initiatives nationwide. In April 2024, he delivered a keynote at Ahmadu Bello University on strategic leadership and risk management, and in early 2025 facilitated youth leadership workshops in Abuja and Lagos, reinforcing his commitment to capacity-building and national development.
Unlike conventional hubs, CIH uniquely integrates vocational trades such as plumbing, resin crafts, and shoe-making alongside cutting-edge technological disciplines including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Web Development. This comprehensive model addresses local employment demands and enhances economic opportunities within Ilorin and the broader Kwara community.
Recognising CIH’s resource challenges, Lawal urged local businesses, government agencies, and philanthropists to back this innovative initiative. “We must collectively ensure that initiatives like Craft Innovation Hub are well-supported, as they directly contribute to reducing unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth,” he emphasised.
Lawal outlined his intention not only to support financially but also to actively engage in designing courses focused on financial literacy, strategic leadership, and community resilience. “I look forward to collaborating closely with CIH to elevate the standard of youth training and mentorship,” Lawal stated.
As preparations intensify ahead of CIH’s official launch in August 2025, both Lawal and CIH leadership have urged greater participation from stakeholders, students, and community leaders. “Craft Innovation Hub represents a landmark opportunity for youth empowerment. We call on everyone who shares this vision to join us,” Abiodun concluded.
