The Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with WEMA Bank and the Research Development and Training Institute (RDTI), has empowered 100 young Nigerians with vocational and digital skills under the 2nd Cohort of the Skillnovation Training Programme.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative was part of the government’s strategic plan to promote youth empowerment and job creation. He explained that the Skillnovation Programme is one of several youth-focused interventions supported by WEMA Bank and the Ministry to promote inclusive economic growth and help young Nigerians thrive in the modern economy.
The minister, who was represented by the Director General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka, said the four-week training focused on practical skill acquisition in hair making, make-up artistry, confectionery, digital marketing, and shoe making among others.
According to him, “These skills are essential for self-reliance and national development. The programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling unemployment and poverty by providing young Nigerians with opportunities to learn, innovate, and create sustainable livelihoods.”
Ayodele added that the initiative aligns with key interventions of the Ministry, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Pi-CNG Youth Initiative, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF). He emphasised that such programmes are vital for equipping young people with skills that promote entrepreneurship and drive economic growth.
“The ministry remains steadfast in ensuring that Nigerian youths are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Programmes like this are pathways to building resilience, creativity, and productivity among our young population,” he said.
The minister commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to make full use of the knowledge and skills gained. He also praised Dr Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director of the African Project Development Centre Group (APDC), for his consistent support of youth development initiatives across the country.
Other dignitaries at the event included Kelechi Ugwumba, CYMS Director of Contacts and Mobilisation, and Ms Evelyn from the Volunteer Group. They both highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing youth capacity development, noting that empowering young Nigerians with practical skills would reduce unemployment and stimulate local entrepreneurship.
Highpoints of the event included the presentation of certificates and cheques to the trainees on behalf of the minister.