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By Alex Enebeli
The Federal Government has graduated 150 youths in Enugu State trained in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Graphics, solar installation and fashion design under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS).
The graduation ceremony was held on Friday in Enugu, after an intensive 10-day training programme.
The programme, implemented by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, also provided beneficiaries with starter kits to promote self-reliance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Arogundade, represented by Dr Abiola Isikalu, Head of Strategy and Methodology in her office, said experienced professionals trained the beneficiaries in their respective fields.
She said many participants had no prior knowledge of the skills acquired, while some had never operated sewing machines or explored AI and graphics design.
According to her, the training had already produced a multiplier effect, with some beneficiaries teaching their younger siblings and other people the skills acquired.
She said the programme went beyond training and certification to providing productive assets and connecting graduates with professionals for employment opportunities.
The special adviser said the office provided the beneficiaries with semi-industrial-grade sewing machines, laptops and solar installation tools.
“We also have a database of industry professionals whom we connect with trained beneficiaries for possible interviews and employment,” she said.
Arogundade cited a previous beneficiary who, six months after completing a similar programme, had established his own studio and started training other youths.
She urged the graduates to utilise the skills and equipment provided to improve their livelihoods and extend the benefits to their families and communities.
Also speaking, the Enugu State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, congratulated the graduates, describing the ceremony as the beginning of new opportunities.
Ozongwu said the skills acquired in AI, solar installation and maintenance, and fashion design offered growing opportunities for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He commended the Federal Government for investing in the capacity and future of young Nigerians, stressing that human capital development was essential to sustainable economic growth.
He urged the graduates to embrace continuous learning, creativity, professionalism and excellence, noting that the value of their certificates depended on how effectively they applied their knowledge.
“Do not limit yourself to seeking jobs. Prepare yourself to become a job creator.
“Have the courage to turn your skills into opportunities, establish businesses, create employment and contribute to the development of your communities,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Studies, Enugu Business School, Prof. Fred Eze, commended President Tinubu for prioritising human capital development through the initiative.
Eze also acknowledged the Enugu State Government’s Smart Schools initiative, saying it complemented Federal Government efforts to equip young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
He urged the graduates to maximise the opportunity, noting that the skills and equipment provided would enable them to establish businesses and achieve financial independence.
Some of the beneficiaries including Ogechi Agbo, Chukwuebuka Onoh and Chibuike Ozoani, also commended the Federal Government for the initiative.
They appreciated President Tinubu, Arogundade, the Enugu State Government and the facilitators for the opportunity to acquire practical skills.
Highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of start-up kits and issuance of certificates to the beneficiaries.
(NAN)
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