Today marks a transformative milestone for Kwara State as Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun, founder of the Craft Innovation Hub (CIH), officially launched the pioneering facility designed to significantly impact youth empowerment, skill development, and community growth in Ilorin.
Speaking passionately at the opening ceremony, Abiodun stated, “The Craft Innovation Hub is not merely a place for training; it is a living ecosystem where our youth can turn their ideas into meaningful, sustainable realities. Here, dreams meet skills, and innovation becomes opportunity.”
Abiodun detailed how CIH uniquely blends advanced digital training, such as Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Marketing, with practical vocational courses like plumbing, resin art, and shoe-making. “We’re building more than just skills, we’re fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. Each participant leaves not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to innovate, earn, and positively contribute to our local economy,” he explained.
The founder’s vision for CIH centers around inclusive community engagement and real-world applications. “Our commitment goes beyond education. Through partnerships, scholarships, mentorships, and job placements, CIH aims to ensure that every youth, woman, and artisan has equal access to opportunities and growth,” Abiodun emphasized.
Local beneficiaries voiced enthusiasm for the hub’s potential. Ahmed, a young trainee in Digital Marketing, shared, “This hub is life-changing. It gives us practical skills to build our careers here in Kwara. We don’t need to leave home to succeed.”
Abiodun acknowledged that challenges remain and stressed ongoing collective efforts are essential. “We must remain diligent. The success of CIH hinges on continued community support, sustained collaboration with government and private sectors, and the unwavering ambition of our youth,” he stated.
In closing, Abiodun sent a motivating message to Kwara’s next generation: “Your dreams have a home here. Take every skill, every lesson, and every opportunity CIH offers. Together, let’s build a prosperous, innovative future for Kwara State.” The launch positions the Craft Innovation Hub as a beacon of transformative growth, echoing Abiodun’s vision for a prosperous, empowered, and innovative Kwara.
