By Salisu Hamisu Ali
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has commenced the training of 189 youths from the North-West geopolitical zone in various vocational skills, including auto mechanics, renewable energy, and agriculture, under its ‘Skills to Wealth’ initiative.
The participants, drawn from the three senatorial zones of each of the North-Western states, have converged in Kano for a 21-day intensive training program aimed at equipping them with the skills needed to become self-reliant.
Speaking during an inspection visit on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofar Mata, said the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty among Nigerian youth by promoting self-employment through skill acquisition.
He emphasized that the program aligns with one of the promises made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his campaign to empower young Nigerians with practical skills.
“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, he pledged to restore trust in governance through the Renewed Hope Agenda. A key component of this agenda is employment generation. Before he assumed office, unemployment rates were very high, and it was clear that the civil service alone could not absorb all graduates,” Dr. Kofar Mata stated.
He added, “Developed nations have succeeded in empowering their citizens through programs that enable them to thrive independently of government jobs. That is what we aim to replicate.”
Dr. Kofar Mata also announced that the program will be conducted annually to ensure sustained poverty alleviation among Nigerian youths. He further disclosed that participants will be provided with tools and support to help them start their businesses upon completion of the training.
Also speaking, the program coordinator, Dr. Isa Mahadi Adamu, said the training focuses on solar renewable energy, automobile mechanics, and modern agriculture. He noted that all participants have also been enrolled in a health insurance scheme provided by the Federal Government.
Some of the participants expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity, describing the training as a life-changing experience that will help them become self-reliant and productive members of society.