Written By Khadijah Aliyu; Edited By Godwin Duru
The Federal Government has launched the Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme under the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) in Kano State as part of efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical skills for entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
National Coordinator of NSIPA, Badamasi Lawal, said the programme is designed to transform youths from job seekers into job creators by providing them with marketable vocational skills in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Lawal, who was represented by Musbahu Yunusa at the launch, explained that the programme would train 700 participants in both theoretical and practical aspects of 15 vocational trades.
The trades include automobile repairs, baking and confectionery, agricultural technology, catering, electrical installation, housekeeping, carpentry, jewellery and bead making, masonry, sewing and fashion design, plumbing, grinding technology, welding and fabrication, and vulcanising.
He said beneficiaries would receive starter packs and work tools upon completion of the training to enable them establish businesses and become self-reliant.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to empowering young people through skills acquisition, economic inclusion and job creation in line with global best practices.
Speaking at the event, the Centre Manager for Fagge Local Government Area, Yunusa Isiyaku, said 145 participants are undergoing training at the Government Technical College, Kwakwaci.
Similarly, the Centre Manager for Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Ghazzali Abdullahi, disclosed that 159 participants are enrolled at the centre and commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.
Also speaking, the Centre Manager for Gani/Sumaila Centre, which has 104 participants, said the programme would reduce dependence on white-collar jobs by equipping beneficiaries with practical vocational skills.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Safiya Abubakar from Tarauni, Muslim Sani Muhammad from Dawakin Tofa, Fatima Zakari from Kumbotso and Aliyu Sani from Tofa Local Government Area, described the initiative as timely, saying it would provide opportunities for economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
The Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme is one of the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at expanding access to vocational education, promoting entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities across the country.
