The Federal Government has unveiled a skills acquisition and empowerment initiative targeting five million young Nigerians as part of efforts to reduce poverty and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The programme, implemented under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills that can improve employability and support entrepreneurship.
Speaking on Monday in Ibadan at the commencement of the Oyo State phase, which runs from September 28 to October 9, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Dr Abiola Arogundade, said the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through technical and vocational education.
The programme, which began in the Federal Capital Territory, will subsequently be extended to other states and geopolitical zones.
200 Beneficiaries Begin Training in Oyo
In Oyo State, 200 young Nigerians are receiving training in three areas:
* Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI): 30 participants
* Makeup artistry: 85 participants
* Fashion designing: 85 participants
Arogundade said the programme goes beyond training, as beneficiaries would also be connected to organisations and business opportunities to help them transition into sustainable livelihoods.
She disclosed that 500 tablets would be distributed at the grand finale as part of the Federal Government’s digital empowerment drive.
“So with this programme, we are training 200 people. We will also be distributing 500 tablets during the grand finale of the programme as part of the Federal Government’s digital empowerment drive.”
According to her, the initiative will directly empower 700 people in Oyo State, while the skills acquired are expected to create a wider multiplier effect within communities.
Beneficiaries to Receive Business Equipment
At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive laptops, sewing machines and fully equipped makeup kits to support their entrepreneurial activities and establish sustainable businesses.
The presidential aide urged participants to maximise the opportunity and use their newly acquired skills to empower others in their communities.
The keynote speaker for the Graphics/AI training, Mrs Oluronke Shonubi, also highlighted the growing opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, particularly in improving employability and preparing young Nigerians for emerging jobs.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, with participants in graphics/AI, makeup artistry and fashion designing expressing optimism that the programme would help reduce unemployment and create more opportunities for self-employment.
The Federal Government said the programme forms part of its broader Renewed Hope efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty and expand opportunities for young Nigerians through technical, vocational and entrepreneurship education.
