The Federal Government has announced plans to empower five million young Nigerians through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes designed to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
The initiative is being implemented under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), with emphasis on practical and market-driven skills that can improve employability and help beneficiaries become economically self-reliant.
The Senior Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Dr Abiola Arogundade, disclosed the plan on Monday in Ibadan during the launch of the Oyo State phase of the programme.
The Oyo training programme, which runs from September 28 to October 9, is part of the Federal Government’s broader technical and vocational education efforts.
According to Arogundade, the programme began in the Federal Capital Territory before moving to Oyo State and is expected to reach other states and geopolitical zones across the country.
200 Beneficiaries in Oyo
In Oyo State, 200 young people are receiving training in graphics and artificial intelligence, makeup artistry and fashion design.
Thirty participants are undergoing training in Graphics and AI, while 85 beneficiaries each are being trained in makeup artistry and fashion design.
Arogundade explained that the programme was designed to go beyond classroom training by connecting participants with organisations and business opportunities that could help them build sustainable sources of income.
She also announced plans to distribute 500 tablets during the programme’s grand finale as part of the government’s digital empowerment efforts.
This would bring the number of people directly supported through the Oyo initiative to 700 when the training beneficiaries and tablet recipients are considered.
The presidential aide urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity and use the skills acquired to create opportunities for themselves and others in their communities.
Focus on Emerging Skills
The keynote speaker for the Graphics and AI training, Mrs Oluronke Shonubi, highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and its potential to create new opportunities for young Nigerians.
She said the increasing use of AI could help improve employability and prepare young people for emerging areas of work.
Participants also welcomed the initiative.
Idowu Olalere, a 400-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, said the programme could help young Nigerians bridge the gap between their existing abilities and changing labour-market demands.
Other beneficiaries, including makeup trainee Iyabo Ajayi and fashion-design trainee Fatunbi Joshua, expressed appreciation for the opportunity and said the skills could help them pursue self-employment.
At the end of the programme, participants are expected to receive items including laptops, sewing machines and makeup kits to assist them in starting or expanding their businesses.
The Federal Government says the initiative forms part of its wider strategy to promote inclusive economic growth, tackle poverty and create more opportunities for young Nigerians through technical, vocational and entrepreneurial education.
