Over 300 women and youths across the Federal Capital Territory have benefitted from a skills acquisition programme organised by the Potter’s Wheel Foundation in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Foundation, Mr. Godsown Onuzulike, said the beneficiaries were trained in vocations such as shoe-making and confectionery production as part of efforts to promote job creation and economic self-reliance in Nigeria. He stated that each participant would receive starter packs to help them start their own businesses.
Mr. Onuzulike noted that over twenty thousand Nigerians have benefitted from the Foundation’s empowerment initiatives in the last five years. He urged governments at all levels to “establish more vocational training centres to address unemployment and reduce insecurity across the country.”
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Foundation, describing the initiative as a life-changing opportunity that would make them self-reliant and employers of labour.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening vocational and technical education as a major driver of sustainable development. Represented by an Assistant Director in the Department of Technology and Science Education, Mrs. Jane Obiebi, Dr. Alausa commended the Foundation for its role in youth empowerment. He also called for stronger partnerships between government and private organisations to reposition the education system and prioritise practical skills training across the country.
