Abuja: The Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with WEMA Bank and the Research Development and Training Institute (RDTI), has successfully trained 100 young Nigerians in vocational and digital skills. This initiative is part of the 2nd Cohort of the Skillnovation Training Programme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Skillnovation Training Programme is a youth-focused intervention supported by WEMA Bank and the Ministry of Youth Development. It aims to promote inclusive economic growth by equipping young Nigerians with essential skills needed to succeed in the modern economy. At the event held in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Chief Obinna Nwaka, Director General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), highlighted that the four-week training emphasized practical skills in areas such as hair making, make-up artistry, confectionery, digital marketing, and shoe making.
Ayodele underscored that this initiative is part of the government’s strategic plan for youth empowerment and job creation. It aligns with the ministry’s key interventions, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Pi-CNG Youth Initiative, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), all designed to equip young people with skills for self-reliance and national development. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment and poverty by providing young Nigerians with opportunities to learn, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods.
He noted, “The ministry remains steadfast in ensuring that Nigerian youths are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Programmes like this are pathways to building resilience, creativity, and productivity among our young population.” The minister praised the participants for their dedication and urged them to utilize the knowledge and skills gained during the training.
Dr Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director of the African Project Development Centre Group (APDC), was commended for his continuous support for youth development initiatives. Other notable attendees included Kelechi Ugwumba, CYMS Director of Contacts and Mobilisation, and Ms Evelyn from the Volunteer Group, who both stressed the significance of collaborative efforts in enhancing youth capacity development. They pointed out that providing young Nigerians with practical skills will not only decrease unemployment but also foster local entrepreneurship and innovation.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and cheques to the trainees on behalf of the minister.
