Written By Khadijah Aliyu; Edited By Godwin Duru
A non Governmental organization NGO, the Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP) has called on young Nigerians to embrace skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance, economic empowerment and sustainable development, describing practical skills as one of the most valuable assets anyone can possess.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of AHIP, Dr. Mairo V. Bello, and made available to Journalists in Kano to commemorate the 2026 World Youth Skills Day.
Dr. Bello noted that this year’s celebration, themed “Skills for a Shared Future,” comes at a time when the global economy is undergoing rapid transformation, making it imperative for young people to acquire relevant technical, vocational, entrepreneurial and digital skills needed to compete, innovate and succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
She described skills as a lifelong treasure that cannot be stolen, exhausted or diminished, emphasizing that unlike money, which can be spent, or jobs that may be be lost, skills remain with an individual throughout life and can always serve as a source of income, resilience and opportunity.
According to the statement, many successful entrepreneurs and professionals began with a single skill and gradually built sustainable businesses, demonstrating that investing in skills remains one of the most effective ways to tackle youth unemployment, poverty and social inequality.
AHIP further observed that employers now place increasing value on competence, creativity, innovation and problem-solving abilities alongside academic qualifications, making continuous learning and skills development essential for career success.
The organisation therefore urged governments, educational institutions, development partners, the private sector and community leaders to expand access to quality technical, vocational and digital skills programmes, particularly for adolescents, young people, girls and other vulnerable groups.
AHIP stressed that such investments are critical to unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria’s youthful population and accelerating national development.
The organisation also encouraged young people to take advantage of vocational training, internships, mentorship opportunities, entrepreneurship development programmes and digital literacy initiatives to build sustainable livelihoods.
Reaffirming its commitment to adolescent development and youth empowerment, AHIP pledged to continue promoting inclusive opportunities through advocacy, capacity building and community-based interventions aimed at equipping young people with skills for a brighter and more prosperous future.
