In a bid to reduce poverty, unemployment, and become employers of labour, over 500 youths from Kogi State have graduated from various technical skills supported by Pharmacist Abdulkareem Asuku Youth Empowerment Foundation, (PAAYEF).
The training which was done by Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), Lokoja Kogi State saw participants drawn across the 21 Local Government Area of Kogi State.
It was gathered that, the participants, who were highly elated for receiving such a lifesaving skills that would improve their lives were trained within five months on plumbing, hair dressing, barbing, solar installations, amongst others.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, held at the ITF industrial skills training center Lokoja, the focal person of PAAYEF Hon. Mimi Sandra said the essence of the training was to enhance the capacity of the trainees to meet global best practices.
She narrated that white colour jobs were no longer available in the labour market, hence the need for youths in the state to acquire skills outside what they studied in school.
Sandra also expressed confidence in the graduating attracting great opportunities to themselves after the training programme.
She assured PAAYEF commitment to provide an enabling environment for the youths to explore their potentials in order for them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the state.
She said, “This entrepreneurship training became imperative because of the determination of the Chief of Staff to the Governor Pharmacist Abdulkareem Asuku to engage our youths positively.
“That is why we rolled out this training for the youths where they would be equipped with the 21st century skill of developing and presenting a viable business plan.
“Basically, we try to give them the skill and knowledge they need so that when eventually they start their businesses or gain employment, they would be able to handle whatever they are doing seriously and be more productive in their lines of work.”
Earlier in his speech, the Manager of ITF Lokoja Dr Wahab, urged the 500 youths to be serious with the training which they have acquired to enable them excel in their businesses and chosen careers.
“The applicants must know that the just concluded training skills is to prepare them towards self-reliance and sustainable livelihood so as to reduce the over dependence on government. The government cannot do it alone because it has enormous responsibilities of meeting up with the yearnings and aspiration of the electorates,” he said.
One of the beneficiary Agada Joseph, who spoke on behalf of the others, lauded the Pharmacist Abdulkareem Asuku Youth Empowerment Foundation, (PAAYEF) for the training and promised to put the entrepreneurship skills to use for the benefit of the nation.
Prominent dignitaries present at the graduation ceremony were Engr. Dr. Uhuami Abdulwahab, Training Manager, Industrial Training Fund, ISTC, Lokoja, Mrs.Stella Ogbuishi , Head, Management and Leadership Development Division, (MLDD) who represented the Director General, Sir. Joseph N. Ari KSM, KSS ITF, Jos Headquarters and Engr. Isah Wara, Head of Training, ITF-ISTC, Lokoja.