Abuja:The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially taken over the FCT Adolescents and Young People (AYP) Technology Incubation Hub, reinforcing its commitment to youth welfare and empowerment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the handover of the facility, which aims to equip vulnerable youth with digital, life skills, public health, and HIV prevention education, was conducted by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) to the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat in Abuja.
Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, highlighted the FCTA’s dedication under the leadership of FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to supporting women, vulnerable groups, and adolescents. She emphasized the importance of adolescence as a critical period requiring community and institutional support to help young people achieve their full potential.
Mukhtar noted the hub’s purpose in providing essential skills and praised its condition after an inspection by secretariat officials. She committed to maintaining it as a center of excellence and noted that the FCT uniquely dedicates a day to adolescent girls, reflecting its focus on building capacity across the community.
She further stated that the Women Affairs Secretariat, now responsible for the hub, will collaborate with IHVN to manage operations, ensure government funding, and expand outreach to vulnerable youth and their families within the FCT. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for education in digital skills, life skills, HIV prevention, and social support.
Dr. Helen Onuh, Director of Prevention, Care, and Treatment at IHVN, explained that transferring ownership to the government is vital for the hub’s sustainability. Since its inauguration on October 9, 2024, the hub has been under IHVN management, funded by the U.S. Government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Public ownership will ensure the facility continues to operate and support youth development beyond the timelines of donor funding.
The center has trained and graduated approximately 75 individuals, with 50 adolescents currently receiving ongoing support for six months post-graduation.