By Khadijah Aliyu
Youths have been urged to embrace entrepreneurship and vocational skills as pathways to economic independence, sustainable business development and community growth.
The Livelihood Officer of Plan International Nigeria, Mr Shettima Kolo, made the call during the graduation ceremony and distribution of start-up kits to 60 youths under the EU-funded Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in Northwest Nigeria Project (ABEP) in Kano State.
The event was organised by the Kano State Agency for Mass Education (SAME) in collaboration with Plan International Nigeria, with funding from the European Union.
The initiative is designed to promote vocational skills development, economic empowerment and self-reliance among young people and other beneficiaries.
The graduates acquired practical skills in various fields, including tailoring, fashion design, cosmetology, computer operations and shoemaking, to enhance their employability and prepare them for entrepreneurial opportunities.
Mr Kolo explained that the beneficiaries had undergone practical training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to become economically productive and self-reliant.
He urged the graduates to make effective use of the start-up kits to establish businesses, generate income and improve their livelihoods.
Mr Kolo appreciated the organisations and individuals whose commitment contributed to the successful implementation of the programme, noting that 60 youths in the first cohort had received livelihood start-up kits to support their transition into entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, the Programme Coordinator, Mr David Oke, encouraged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to establish sustainable businesses and improve their economic circumstances.
A facilitator, Shamsiyya Muhammad Yawale, thanked the organisers for providing the opportunity to train beneficiaries under the initiative.
She disclosed that she had trained more than 80 students and emphasised the importance of vocational education in equipping young people with practical skills for economic independence.
Radio Nigeria reports that the beneficiaries received start-up kits to support businesses in various fields, including tailoring, cosmetology, poultry farming, GSM repairs and solar installation, among others.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
