AUDA-NEPAD, Nasarawa govt train 200 youths, widows, others on skills acquisition

AUDA-NEPAD, Nasarawa govt train 200 youths, widows, others on skills acquisition

The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) has commenced training 200 youths, widows, and vulnerable persons in Nasarawa State on various vocational skills to promote self-reliance and reduce poverty.

The training, organised in collaboration with the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, is supported by the Nasarawa State Government.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday in Lafia, Mohammed Barikie-Sameel, the Nasarawa State Focal Person of AUDA-NEPAD, said that the initiative was part of efforts to empower women and youths with practical skills that could improve their livelihoods.

He listed the skills to be taught to  include ICT, tailoring, baking and pastry, aluminium fabrication, arc welding, domestic electrical installation, barbing and hairdressing, makeup and beauty care.

Barikie-Sameel explained that the training, which would run for six weeks, was targeted at eradicating poverty, empowering women and youths, and promoting sustainable development in line with AUDA-NEPAD’s core mandate.

“This is our first empowerment programme this year, and we decided to focus on youths, women and the vulnerable, who are key to our development vision.

“We will monitor and evaluate participants after the training to ensure that they put their skills into practice. Those who do well will be considered for future empowerment projects,” he said.

He commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for revitalising the AUDA-NEPAD office in the state, describing the governor as a leader passionate about human capital development.

Also speaking, Dr Daniel Ewuga-Asele, the Executive Director of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, said the world now revolves around skills, noting that certificates without skills are no longer sufficient in today’s economy.

“No matter the number of degrees you have, without a skill, what you have is just a piece of paper. Skills remain relevant throughout one’s lifetime,” he said.

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Ewuga-Asele noted that the institute, established by Gov. Sule six years ago, had trained over 9,000 youths, women and vulnerable persons, many of whom had become self-employed.

He urged the participants to take the training seriously, adhere to the institute’s rules, and maintain at least 90 per cent attendance to qualify for certification and starter packs at the end of the programme.

He added that participants would be provided with daily meals and transport stipends during the training.

Similarly, Mr Adi Hamza, Head of Department, Project Development and Implementation at AUDA-NEPAD, said the training aimed to make the beneficiaries self-reliant and potential employers of labour.

Hamza urged them to justify the government’s investment by showing commitment, discipline and dedication throughout the training period.