Youth empowerment: FG commissions skills acquisition centre, classroom blocks in Nasarawa

The Federal Government has inaugurated a state-of-the-art skills acquisition centre and two classroom blocks in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance human capital development and drive socio-economic growth.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), aims to equip young Nigerians with vocational and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

The centre will offer training in a wide range of trades, including sewing, computer literacy, welding, building trades, photography, and vulcanising, ensuring that beneficiaries acquire practical skills relevant to today’s job market.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, underscored the importance of vocational training in addressing youth unemployment, which currently stands at 8.6%.

“With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at 8.6%, we must provide innovative and practical solutions. This Skills Acquisition Centre is designed to equip young people with relevant skills in various trades, including sewing, computer literacy, building, welding, photography, and vulcanising,” she said.

Orelope-Adefulire lauded President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, crediting his administration’s commitment to sustainable development for making the project a reality for the people of Nasarawa State.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, Deputy Governor Dr Emmanuel Akabe, who represented Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, commended the Federal Government for prioritising skills development, emphasising that the initiative aligns with the state’s vision of equipping youths with the necessary tools to thrive.

“It is through partnerships like these that we can achieve sustainable development in Nasarawa State,” Akabe noted.

The Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, JSC (Rtd), also hailed the initiative, urging beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities provided by the facility.

“Young people in this state now have access to modern training facilities that can transform their futures. I encourage all stakeholders to ensure these facilities are utilised efficiently and sustainably,” the Emir said.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Mohammed Haliru Arabo, emphasised the positive impact the centre will have on the local economy. According to him, empowering youths with practical skills will reduce poverty, foster entrepreneurship, and stimulate economic growth.

“This project is a game-changer for Lafia and beyond,” Arabo remarked.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, reiterated the role of vocational training in economic stability. He emphasised that education extends beyond traditional classrooms, with hands-on skills providing direct pathways to employment and financial independence.

“What this represents is a symbol of peace and joy for many families. I commend Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and OSSAP-SDGs for this timely intervention. I also pledge that under my leadership, NELFUND will do everything within its capacity to ensure this project is a success,” Sawyerr stated.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Desmond Utomwen, spokesperson to OSSAP-SDGs, the newly commissioned centre aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Princess Orelope-Adefulire reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing high-impact interventions, ensuring that “no Nigerian is left behind.”

With fully equipped classrooms and modern vocational training facilities, the Lafia Skills Acquisition Centre is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and youth empowerment, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the SDGs.

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