The federal government has announced plans to lift five million young Nigerians out of poverty through its skills acquisition and empowerment programmes. The initiative, part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills to enhance their economic independence and employability. This programme is a key component of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to empowering Nigerians through technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education.
The programme, coordinated by Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Assistant to the president on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and has moved to Oyo state. The Oyo state phase, which began on September 28, will run until October 9. During this phase, 200 young Nigerians are being trained in Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), makeup artistry, and fashion designing.
In the Oyo state phase, 30 participants are undergoing training in Graphics/AI, while 85 each are receiving training in makeup artistry and fashion designing. The programme is designed to provide beneficiaries with practical skills that are in demand in the job market. By acquiring these skills, young Nigerians will be better equipped to secure employment or start their own businesses, thereby reducing poverty and unemployment.
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. This approach ensures that the skills acquired during the programme are utilised effectively, leading to long-term economic stability for the beneficiaries. The programme is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
The programme is expected to have a significant impact on poverty reduction in Nigeria. With plans to train five million young Nigerians, the initiative has the potential to make a substantial difference in the lives of millions of people. The programme's focus on technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education aligns with the federal government's commitment to empowering Nigerians and promoting economic growth.
As part of the programme, 500 tablets will be distributed during the grand finale, as part of the Federal Government's digital empowerment drive. This initiative aims to provide beneficiaries with the tools and resources needed to succeed in the digital economy. The programme's organisers believe that this will have a multiplier effect, benefiting not just the direct beneficiaries but also their families and communities.
The programme will directly empower 700 people, with a significant multiplier effect expected. The initiative is a key component of the federal government's efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic growth through skills acquisition and empowerment programmes. The programme's success will be closely monitored, as it has the potential to make a significant impact on poverty reduction in Nigeria.
Key points
- FG plans to train 5m Nigerians through skills acquisition programmes
- Programme aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills
- Initiative expected to have a significant impact on poverty reduction in Nigeria
