The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new empowerment program called “Skills to Wealth” under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. The initiative aims to equip Nigerian youths with hands-on skills in key sectors including agriculture, auto mechanics, and renewable energy, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In the North-West region, the program kicked off in Kano with 189 participants drawn evenly from each senatorial district. The training is taking place at the NITEL Training Centre. According to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the initiative is a targeted response to Nigeria’s high unemployment rate and is designed to help youths become self-reliant and eventually create jobs for others.
“Rather than rely on government jobs, we are training young people in modern agriculture, advanced auto mechanics, and solar energy,” he said during a recent visit to the training centre. “These are skills for a sustainable future.”
Participants choose their training track based on interest and available slots. Each trainee will receive startup tools upon completion to help them apply their skills and generate income within their communities.
A program coordinator explained that the 189 trainees in Kano are part of a broader national rollout covering all six geopolitical zones, with nine participants selected from each senatorial district for balance and fairness.
He emphasized that the program’s goal is not just to teach skills, but to build wealth. “This is halal income—money earned through your intellect and hard work,” he said, encouraging participants to make their families and communities proud.
Trainees are already speaking out about the benefits. One participant from Kaduna chose to train in solar system installation, saying the skill will help him become financially independent and empower others in his community. Another from Kano’s Tofa LGA opted for agriculture, noting the relevance of food security and the importance of educating rural farmers on modern techniques.
From Zamfara, a female trainee shared how her training in auto mechanics has equipped her with the ability to repair and maintain vehicles, skills she says have boosted her confidence in a male-dominated field.
The government also promised to disburse transport and accommodation allowances at the end of the program to support full participation and prevent misuse of funds.
The “Skills to Wealth” initiative is expected to scale up in the coming months, targeting thousands of youths nationwide in an effort to reduce unemployment and foster economic self-reliance.
