The federal government has launched an initiative aimed at lifting five million young Nigerians out of poverty through skills acquisition and empowerment programmes. The programme, part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), seeks to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills to enhance their economic independence and employability. This effort is in line with President Bola Tinubu's commitment to empowering Nigerians through technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education.
The programme commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and has moved to Oyo State, where 200 young Nigerians are being trained in Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), makeup artistry, and fashion designing. Of the beneficiaries, 30 participants are undergoing training in Graphics/AI, while 85 each are receiving training in makeup artistry and fashion designing. The training is being coordinated by Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE).
According to Dr Arogundade, the initiative goes beyond skills acquisition, as beneficiaries will be connected to organisations and business opportunities to support their transition into sustainable livelihoods. The programme aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and create opportunities for young Nigerians to become economically self-reliant through practical training and entrepreneurship development. The Oyo State phase of the programme will run from September 28 to October 9.
The programme has a broader impact, with plans to extend the training to other states and geopolitical zones across the country. Dr Arogundade stated that the initiative would directly empower 700 people, with a multiplier effect on the community and the entire country. As part of the programme, 500 tablets will be distributed during the grand finale to support the federal government's digital empowerment drive.
Dr Arogundade urged participants to take the training seriously and maximise the opportunity to use their newly acquired skills to empower others within their communities. She encouraged them to know that President Bola Tinubu is thinking about all Nigerians, particularly young people, and is committed to addressing their plights. The presidential aide reiterated the federal government's commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to become economically self-reliant.
Keynote speaker for the Graphics/AI training, Mrs Oluronke Shonubi, noted that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence presents Nigeria with opportunities to accelerate development, improve employability, and prepare young people for emerging jobs. One of the beneficiaries, Idowu Olalere, a 400-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for providing young Nigerians with opportunities to acquire emerging digital skills.
The training is expected to help bridge the gap between existing skills and the needs of the labour market. With the programme's focus on practical, market-relevant skills, young Nigerians are expected to become more economically independent and employable. The federal government's effort to empower young Nigerians through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development is seen as a step towards reducing poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Key points
- The federal government plans to lift 5 million young Nigerians out of poverty through its skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
- The programme aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills to enhance their economic independence and employability.
- The initiative has a broader impact, with plans to extend the training to other states and geopolitical zones across the country.
