Aishah Waliyullah
The Aare Mayegun of Owu Kingdom, Prince Kazeem Adeyanju Olanrewaju Bakinson, has launched a major youth empowerment initiative that has already attracted more than 125 participants—far above the initial target of 10—to be trained in drone mapping and related digital skills.
Speaking during the onboarding session held at Owu Club, Abeokuta, Bakinson described drone mapping as a vital emerging industry with a “strong value chain” capable of transforming young people into highly employable specialists.
“I am a GIS expert, and I’ve seen drone mapping as an area with enormous potential the youth can tap into,” he said.
“We planned to train just 10 people, but today we have 125 registered. That tells you the level of interest and the need for empowerment.”
Bakinson explained that the programme is structured in phases, beginning with onboarding, followed by online learning modules and practical field sessions.
He added that participants will be assisted in obtaining mandatory licences required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“We are not stopping at training alone. We are also getting them licensed because, according to NCAA regulations, you cannot fly a drone without certification,” he said.
The training is expected to run until the first quarter of 2026, with youths able to specialise as drone pilots, drone engineers, software developers, or operators in the growing drone-as-a-service sector.
A professional town planner, Bakinson said his interest in drone mapping is closely linked to his vision for the Owu Master Plan—a long-term spatial development blueprint for the Owu Kingdom.
“I’m poised to develop what I call the Owu Master Plan. Drone mapping is one of the key tools for this because of my background in town planning. It will help guide proper development for our people,” he said.
He added that the initiative is a collaborative effort involving Owu youths, the Cathedral Church, and the Akinale community, noting that such partnerships would further accelerate the impact across the kingdom.
Beyond drone mapping, Bakinson highlighted several other empowerment projects under the Aare Bakinson Foundation, including annual scholarships for Ogun State students and upcoming infrastructure to support innovation.
“We are partnering with Crescent University to establish a GIS Resource Centre equipped for remote sensing and spatial planning through AI,” he announced.
To help trainees start strong after the programme, he pledged interest-free loans for those venturing into drone marketing and related services.
“Many of these young people will be able to work with organizations like oil companies that require drone mapping for pipelines and infrastructure. This adds value to both the companies and the individuals,” he noted.
Bakinson said the initiative is designed not only to train youths but to create sustainable economic pathways that can pull families out of poverty.
“This programme can reduce poverty significantly. It will take our children off the streets and empower them to build better lives,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to continue investing in empowerment, stressing that true security goes beyond policing and includes providing citizens with opportunities and basic needs.
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