OVER 1,400 NASARAWA YOUTHS ENROLLED IN FEDERAL SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME 07-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu Over 1,400 unskilled youths in Nasarawa State are participating in the federal government’s skills acquisition scheme under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Programme.
Speaking at the launch of the training exercise in Lafia, the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Silas Agara, revealed that a total of 93,731 unskilled youths from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been registered to benefit from the initiative.
The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Programme is a flagship project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It is being implemented by the NDE in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to promote job creation by equipping young Nigerians with essential vocational skills.
Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Agara, represented by the NDE State Coordinator, Mr. Fagbemi Joshua, emphasized the programme’s inclusivity. He noted that 10 unskilled and unemployed youths were selected from each of Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards to undergo training in 30 skill areas, ranging from vocational skills development to Special Public Works.
The Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi (retired), represented by the Ubangarin Lafia, Alhaji Usman Ba-ba, underscored the importance of sustainable youth engagement programmes in reducing crime and addressing idleness in communities.
Beneficiaries of the programme, including Christopher Agbo, described the initiative as a life-changing opportunity, expressing gratitude for the federal government’s intervention.
In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Alhaji Mohammed Ubandoma, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower youths and foster economic development.
At the end of the three-month training programme, participants are expected to receive start-up packages to help them establish businesses and sustain their livelihoods.