The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an initiative aimed at lifting five million young Nigerians out of poverty through skills acquisition and empowerment programmes. This 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. The initiative was announced by Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE).
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. This phase of the programme will run from September 28 to October 9.
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 empower young Nigerians through technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education, in line with President Bola Tinubu's commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods.
During the programme, 500 tablets will be distributed to participants as part of the Federal Government's digital empowerment drive. A total of 700 people will be directly empowered through this programme, with a multiplier effect expected. Dr Arogundade urged participants to take the training seriously and use their newly acquired skills to empower others within their communities.
The presidential aide reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to become economically self-reliant through practical training and entrepreneurship development. The programme forms part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and expand opportunities for young Nigerians through technical and vocational education.
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. Beneficiaries of the programme have expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for providing opportunities to acquire emerging digital skills and practical skills for self-employment.
At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive laptops, sewing machines, and fully equipped makeup kits to support their entrepreneurial pursuits and facilitate the establishment of sustainable businesses. The programme aims to contribute to reducing unemployment by equipping participants with practical skills and opportunities for self-employment.
Key points
- The Federal Government plans to lift five 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 forms part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and expand opportunities for young Nigerians through technical and vocational education.
