The Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with WEMA Bank, and the Research Development and Training Institute (RDTI), has empowered 100 young Nigerians with vocational and digital skills.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, said that the training was under the 2nd Cohort of the Skillnovation Training Programme.
The Skillnovation Training Programme is one of several youth-focused interventions supported by WEMA bank and the Ministry of Youth Development.
It is designed to promote inclusive economic growth and empower young Nigerians to thrive in the modern economy.
The minister, who was represented by the Director General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka said that the four-week training focused on practical skill acquisition.
This he said were skills in hair making, make-up artistry, confectionery, digital marketing, and shoe making among others.
Ayodele said that the programme was part of the government’s strategic plan to promote youth empowerment and job creation.
He said that the initiative aligned with key interventions of the Ministry, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Pi-CNG Youth Initiative, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).
These, he added, were aimed at equipping young people with essential skills for self-reliance and national development.
He noted that the Skillnovation Programme demonstrated the government’s commitment to tackling unemployment and poverty by providing young Nigerians with opportunities to learn, innovate, and create sustainable livelihoods.
“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,” he said.
The minister lauded the participants for their commitment and encouraged them to maximise the knowledge and skills gained during the training.
He also commended Dr Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director of the African Project Development Center Group (APDC), for his consistent passion and support for youth development initiatives across the country.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Kelechi Ugwumba, CYMS Director of Contacts and Mobilisation, and Ms Evelyn from the Volunteer Group, who both emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing youth capacity development.
They noted that empowering young Nigerians with practical skills would not only reduce unemployment but also stimulate local entrepreneurship and innovation.
Highpoints of the event were presentation of certificates and cheques to the trainees on behalf of the Minister.
