Abuja: The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Danjuma Shekwolo, has pledged a commitment to tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable economic empowerment across the council.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Divisional Head of Information and Public Relations of the council, Mr. Nimrod Koce, announced this in a statement on Monday in Kuje. Koce stated that the council boss made these remarks during the inauguration of a skill acquisition training program designed for 200 residents of the council.
Shekwolo described the skill acquisition program as more than just training; he termed it a beacon of hope, empowerment, and self-reliance for the people of Kuje. He highlighted that unemployment and poverty remain significant challenges affecting many young people and women, emphasizing that the government alone cannot address these challenges.
The council has adopted a practical approach centered on equipping residents with marketable vocational skills, making them self-employed and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the local economy. This initiative is designed to provide beneficiaries with practical, market-driven skills capable of creating employment opportunities and generating wealth within the area council.
The first phase of the program covers training in various fields, including fashion design and tailoring, catering and confectionery, hairdressing and beauty therapy, ICT, phone repairs, and computer training. Additional areas include painting, POP and tiling, as well as agriculture and agro-processing.
Upon successful completion of the training, every participant will receive starter packs and relevant working tools to establish their own businesses immediately. The council is committed to supporting the participants beyond the training period and urges beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity.
The council boss expressed optimism that the program would produce skilled entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods within Kuje Area Council. He noted that the program is one of the flagship initiatives of the current council administration, aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, youth development, and sustainable community empowerment.