FG unveils S2W training in Lagos for youth empowerment
FG unveils S2W training in Lagos for youth empowerment
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has kicked off training for youths in the Southwest geopolitical zone in agriculture, renewable energy and automobile industry.
The three-week training of selected youths in Lagos was flagged off by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Thursday in Lagos.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the nationwide Skill to Wealth Training programme (S2W), organised by the Ministry, aims at empowering Nigerian youths in agriculture, renewable energy and automobile in the six geo-political zones of the country.
Yilwatda said the training was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged the youth to take advantage of the training.
“I stand with immense pride as we officially launch the Skill to Wealth programme in the SouthWest, and in particular here in Lagos, the heart of Nigeria, and at the same time the centre of innovation and enterprise.
“We are here not just to begin a training programme, but ignite a movement powered by young Nigerians who are hungry to learn, eager to grow and ready to build a future that affects their true potential.
“The initiative is not just a policy intervention. It is a embodiment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, under whose leadership, we are shifting from promises to tangible progress.
“We are moving from poverty alleviation to poverty reduction, the Skill to Wealth programme is one of the many arrows in our quivers aim at tackling youth unemployment, buildings residents and transforming lives,” the minister said.
Yilwatda urged the youths to hone their skills and free themselves of poverty.
“The skill you will learn today and going forward will change your trajectory, if you will sit down and learn well.
“The programme target three high impact sectors, renewable energy, agriculture and automobile training.
“One of the biggest fear and threat to us today, is that most of the mechanics that we have now will go extinct.
“And I look forward to seeing many here today with their skill in solar business own small business, come together and create your small enterprises.
“Let us work together, expand the initiative, to the young men and women selected in Lagos, this is your moment.
“Your journey begins today, you need to muster the courage to declare that I will rise, I will work, and I will earn my own income. I will change my life, and this how to build a better country. One skill, one youth and one success story at a time,” Yilwatda said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata, urged the youth to see the training as a leeway out of poverty.
“This programme speaks to our shared goal of empowering Nigerians through practical skills, sustainable livelihood and inclusive economic growth.
“The S2W programme is designed to serve as a catalyst for transformation, particularly for our youth, women and vulnerable groups by focusing on high impact sectors like agriculture, renewable energy and automobile industry.
“We are not only preparing our citizens for the jobs of today but in accordance with the vision of the President, positioning them as drivers of innovation and enterprise in a better Nigeria of tomorrow.
“To the beneficiaries of the programme here and across the nation, I urge you to see this opportunity as the beginning of the beginning of your journey towards economic independence.
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“The era of solely depending on government should be seen as over. The programme is not a hand out but a hand up,” Kofarmata said.
On his part, the President/ Chief Executive Officer, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Mr David Daser, commended the ministry on its efforts to build the youth of the nation.
“We are grateful to the minister for making DBI a part of this youth training, we consider it an honour.
“DBI was created to sort out the issue within the telecom sector and also to align with national development priorities, which is exactly what this programme is about.
“So, while I want to appreciate the Ministry for finding DBI worthy of this initiative, I also want to encourage beneficiaries of this programme.
“Opportunities like this do not come always on a platter. You have to use this opportunity and do well to make the best out of it.
“I also believe that the success of this programme is going to determined by how each of you make use of this initiative.
“So, I want to congratulate you, the DBI facilities will also always be here for those of you who after this training, will want to scale up your business through the use of it,” Daser said.
The Chairman National Youth Council Lagos State, Mr Olalekan Adigun, who appreciated the Federal Government’s effort in empowering the youth, urged them to seize the opportunity for a brighter future.
“We want to thank you for ensuring that you implement the vision and the aspirations of the President by ensuring that over or about 65 per cent of our youth are gainfully engaged, empowered and employed.
“Our youth are serious minded young people who are going to value the opportunities that you have given to them in agriculture, automobile and the renewable energy industry.
“They are going to maximise the opportunity, because it is going to be an intensive and a very detailed programme that is shared towards ensuring that the youths are engaged and empowered forever.
“I want to appeal to you. Let us maximise this opportunity. It is a life changing opportunity that can transform your entire household forever,” Adigun said.
A beneficiary of the training, Mr Ridwan Atolagbe, appreciated the government for the lifetime opportunity to enhance his livelihood.
“I am honoured to be part of this selected initiative because I must commend the Federal Government, this has been a great initiative for the youth of this country of Nigeria.
“They have used this movement and this initiative to also make our eyes open.
“So, I am also using this opportunity to engage in this initiative to make it and become somebody in life,” Atolagbe said.
