The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has presented starter packs to 250 youths who successfully completed training in high-selling self-reliance skills, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and capacity development in Nigeria.
The presentation took place during the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries in Lagos State under the skills acquisition programme owned by NCDMB and executed by Jake Riley Academy. The initiative is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills that can support income generation and reduce unemployment.
Speaking at the event, John Geigha, who represented the Director of Capacity Building at NCDMB, Abayomi Bamidele, commended the graduates for their dedication throughout the training period. He encouraged them to make effective use of the opportunity provided and apply the skills responsibly.
Gbeya acknowledged the presence of members of the House of Representatives, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Content, as well as other key stakeholders who attended the ceremony in support of youth development and local content advancement.
He explained that the programme aligns with NCDMB’s mandate to promote sustainable development through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. According to him, the Board recognises practical skills as essential to economic growth, job creation and personal financial security.
Gbeya stated that the graduates underwent over three weeks of intensive hands-on training across several vocational and entrepreneurial areas. These included fashion design and garment making, solar photovoltaic installation, electrical installation, catering and food business, digital skills and freelancing, textile design and Adire making, as well as GSM and mobile phone repair.
He stressed that the High-Selling Skills Programme was designed to complement formal education by providing beneficiaries with practical competencies capable of generating daily income. “Skills give certainty and comfort. When you have something tangible you can do with your hands, you are empowered to earn a living without depending on salaries or assistance,” he said.
Gbeya urged the graduands to take their training seriously, noting that consistent application of the acquired skills could lead to sustainable income and improved quality of life. He explained that the starter packs were meant to help the graduates immediately begin practising their trades.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the starter packs, describing such action as counterproductive. “Selling these starter packs is equivalent to selling your future. The intention is to impact not just you, but your families and communities,” he said.
He further emphasised that empowering one individual with relevant skills often benefits households and contributes to national development. Gbeya also disclosed that NCDMB is preparing additional readiness and capacity-building programmes for youths aged 35 and below, particularly those with engineering backgrounds, to enhance participation in opportunities within the oil and gas sector.
He encouraged interested youths to register through the Board’s official portal. The event ended with gratitude to the Federal Government, NCDMB management, Jake Riley Academy, facilitators and stakeholders, while graduates were urged to maximise the opportunity and serve as ambassadors of self-reliance.
