The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially launched its One Nigerian, One Skill initiative, an empowerment programme designed to create jobs and lift young Nigerians out of poverty.
The programme was flagged off at a ceremony in Abuja, where the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, said the initiative reflects ADC’s core philosophy of prioritising the welfare and empowerment of Nigerians.
Nwosu said that while some political parties deploy resources mainly to influence votes during elections, ADC is committed to using its structures and resources to directly improve the lives of citizens.
“Our goal is to touch lives, not merely distribute money. While some focus on internal welfare and personal gains, ADC leaders are more concerned about the wellbeing of Nigerians,” Nwosu stated.
He stressed that sustainable empowerment lies in knowledge transfer and skill acquisition, noting that Nigeria’s youth can thrive when equipped with practical skills that support income generation.
Also speaking, former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, described the initiative as similar to the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) introduced under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Waziri recalled that over 330,000 youths benefited from NAPEP’s skill acquisition schemes before the programme was abandoned by successive governments.
The ADC National Welfare Secretary, Mr. Nkem Ukandu, whose office is spearheading the programme, explained that One Nigerian, One Skill is aimed at empowering youths, restoring the dignity of labour, and freeing Nigerians from dependency through sustainable skill development.
“This programme is open to both party members and non-partisans. It is designed to equip participants with practical, market-relevant skills that promote self-reliance in today’s challenging economy,” Ukandu said.
He disclosed that the pilot phase will be implemented in two states from each of the six geo-political zones, adding that participants will receive structured training in skills and starter tools upon completion.
Ukandu expressed confidence that every Nigerian has untapped potential, noting that the initiative will help transform these abilities into productivity.
The One Nigerian, One Skill initiative is a flagship programme of the Office of the ADC National Welfare Secretary, implemented in partnership with the ADC Coalition Support Network, with impact.
