The federal government of Nigeria 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, 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 Tinubu's commitment to empowering Nigerians through technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education.
The programme, coordinated by Dr. Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, commenced in the Federal Capital Territory and has moved to Oyo state. The Oyo state phase, which ran from September 28 to October 9, involved 200 young Nigerians being trained in Graphics and Artificial Intelligence, makeup artistry, and fashion designing. This initiative is expected to be extended to other states and geopolitical zones across the country.
Under the Oyo state phase, 30 participants underwent training in Graphics and Artificial Intelligence, while 85 each received training in makeup artistry and fashion designing. The programme is designed to go beyond skills acquisition, with beneficiaries being connected to organisations and business opportunities to support their transition into sustainable livelihoods. This approach aims to ensure that the skills acquired are utilised effectively to enhance economic stability.
Dr. Arogundade highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower Nigerians through technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education. The programme's impact is expected to be significant, with a multiplier effect that will benefit not just the direct beneficiaries but also their communities and the wider population. This aligns with the federal government's digital empowerment drive, which includes distributing 500 tablets during the programme's grand finale.
The programme in Oyo state directly empowered 700 people, with 200 undergoing skills training and 500 receiving tablets as part of the digital empowerment drive. The initiative is part of the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda, focused on poverty alleviation and economic growth. By providing young Nigerians with relevant skills, the government aims to reduce poverty and enhance economic opportunities.
The skills acquisition programme is tailored to equip beneficiaries with market-relevant skills, making them more employable and economically independent. The inclusion of Graphics and Artificial Intelligence, makeup artistry, and fashion designing reflects the programme's adaptability to current market demands. By diversifying the skills offered, the programme can cater to a broader range of interests and career paths.
The federal government's commitment to lifting five million Nigerians out of poverty through skills acquisition underscores its dedication to addressing poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The programme's expansion to other states and geopolitical zones is expected to have a significant impact on poverty reduction and economic growth. Key initiatives include providing practical skills, connecting beneficiaries to business opportunities, and promoting digital empowerment.
Key points
- The programme aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills.
- 200 young Nigerians are being trained in Oyo state across three skill areas.
- The initiative is part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy.
