The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated a skills acquisition and empowerment program designed to promote sustainable livelihoods and lift five million young Nigerians out of poverty. The program, under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), commenced its Oyo State phase on Monday and will end on October 9. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to equipping Nigerians with practical skills to become economically self-reliant.
The training program in Oyo State will cover 200 youths in Graphics/Artificial Intelligence (AI), makeup, and fashion designing. Specifically, 30 participants will receive training in Graphics/AI, while 85 each will be trained in makeup and fashion designing. According to Dr. Abiola Arogundade, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, beneficiaries will also be connected to organizations and business opportunities to enable them to establish sustainable livelihoods after graduation.
The program aims to empower Nigerians through the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS). Dr. Arogundade stated that the initiative had commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and would be extended to other states and geo-political zones. She emphasized that the program would have a multiplier effect, directly empowering 700 people and impacting their communities and the population at large.
As part of the program, 500 tablets will be distributed during the grand finale as part of the Federal Government's digital empowerment drive. Dr. Arogundade urged participants to take the training seriously and acquire skills that would enable them to empower other members of their communities. She also encouraged them to know that President Bola Tinubu is committed to addressing the plights of young Nigerians.
The keynote speaker for the Graphics/AI training, Mrs. Oluronke Shonubi, highlighted the growing adoption of AI and its opportunities for Nigeria to accelerate development, improve employability, and prepare young people for future jobs. She commended the Federal Government for investing in the training and upskilling of young Nigerians, describing the initiative as relevant to preparing the country's future workforce.
Beneficiaries of the program have expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for providing opportunities to acquire emerging digital skills. Idowu Olalere, a 400-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), stated that the training would help bridge the gap between young people's existing skills and evolving labor market requirements. Other beneficiaries, Mrs. Iyabo Ajayi and Fatunbi Joshua, also thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity and expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to reducing unemployment in Nigeria.
Participants will receive laptops, sewing machines, and fully equipped makeup kits at the end of the training. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young Nigerians and contribute to the country's economic growth. The Federal Government's effort to empower young people through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship education is a step towards addressing the challenges of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria.
Key points
- The program aims to train five million young Nigerians and equip them with practical skills to become economically self-reliant.
- The Oyo State phase of the program will cover 200 youths in Graphics/Artificial Intelligence (AI), makeup, and fashion designing.
- Beneficiaries will receive laptops, sewing machines, and fully equipped makeup kits at the end of the training.
