Empowerment: Adamawa Govt. Invests N4.4 Billion in Skills Acquisition Trainings
From Umar Dankano, Yola
In a bid to combat poverty and unemployment, the Adamawa state government has allocated N4.4 billion to various skills acquisition trainings for the youth in the state.
Hajiya Aishatu Bawa Bello, the Coordinator of the state Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation (PAWECA), disclosed this during a press conference reviewing the agency’s activities since its inception in 2020 and outlining its prospects for 2024.
Bello commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for the attention given to the agency, emphasizing that this support has led to commendable successes in various skills acquisition programs aimed at ensuring self-reliance across the 21 local government areas in the state.
Over 20,000 youths have participated in the skills acquisition and empowerment programs, with a monthly expenditure of N30 million on projects and programs for the beneficiaries.
Among the support provided were training for beginners, technical support to business owners and entrepreneurs, and the allocation of social welfare packages to those in dire situations. As part of the scheme, beneficiaries undergoing training receive social support ranging from N10,000 to N50,000, distinct from social intervention allowances.
From 2019 to 2023, a total of 23,000 individuals underwent training under the agency’s social support services programs, and another set of 2,700 youths received training in various skills acquisition schemes through the nine zonal training centers, aiming to reduce the unemployment rate among the younger generation.
The agency has developed an internet portal providing comprehensive access to information and activities, including data, figures, admission, and registration processes.
Highlighting the success of the “Fintiri Business Wallet” window launched on March 14, 2023, Bello reported that 7,565 small-scale entrepreneurs accessed microfinance support.
Assuring a redoubling of efforts, Bello announced that 105 people living with disabilities have been identified across the 21 local government councils to participate in the 2024 programs. Additionally, the agency is considering an entrepreneurship development scheme for potential retirees, aiming to keep them engaged post-retirement.
