Oyo:The Federal Government has unveiled plans to elevate five million young Nigerians out of poverty through a skills acquisition and empowerment initiative aimed at fostering sustainable livelihoods. The program, organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), has begun its Oyo State phase and will conclude on October 9.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Abiola Arogundade, who declared the training open, emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering Nigerians via the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to equip citizens with practical skills for economic self-reliance.
The program, which originated in the Federal Capital Territory, has now reached Oyo State and will expand to other states and geopolitical zones. In Oyo, 200 youths are being trained in Graphics/Artificial Intelligence, makeup, and fashion designing, with 30 participants in Graphics/AI and 85 each in makeup and fashion designing.
Beneficiaries will also be linked to organizations and business opportunities to help them establish sustainable livelihoods post-training. The initiative includes distributing 500 tablets to participants as part of a digital empowerment effort, directly impacting 700 individuals.
Arogundade encouraged participants to engage earnestly with the training to acquire skills that would empower their communities. She highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by young Nigerians.
Mrs. Oluronke Shonubi, keynote speaker for the Graphics/AI training, pointed out the opportunities presented by AI to accelerate development and improve employability. She urged Nigeria to invest in AI to keep pace with global advancements.
Beneficiaries like Idowu Olalere, a student at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, and others expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain digital skills, which they believe will help reduce unemployment. Participants will receive laptops, sewing machines, and makeup kits upon completing the training.