The Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with WEMA Bank and the Research Development and Training Institute (RDTI), has trained 100 young Nigerians in vocational and digital skills under the second cohort of the Skillnovation Training Programme.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, represented by the Director General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation, said the four-week programme was designed to equip participants with practical skills in areas such as hair making, make-up artistry, confectionery, digital marketing, and shoe making.
The Skillnovation Programme is one of several youth-focused initiatives supported by WEMA Bank and the Ministry to drive inclusive economic growth and prepare young Nigerians for modern employment and entrepreneurship.
According to the ministry, the initiative aligns with broader youth empowerment platforms, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), the Pi-CNG Youth Initiative, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), all aimed at fostering self-reliance and reducing youth unemployment.
The government emphasised that such programmes are critical to addressing poverty and unemployment by creating pathways for innovation, enterprise development, and job creation among Nigeria’s young population.
“The ministry remains steadfast in ensuring that Nigerian youths are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Programmes like this build resilience, creativity, and productivity,” the minister stated.
Certificates and financial support cheques were presented to participants to help them establish or grow small businesses, underscoring the programme’s purpose of nurturing job creators rather than job seekers.
Dignitaries at the event highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in strengthening youth capacity, noting that practical skills training is vital for stimulating local entrepreneurship and boosting the informal and MSME sectors.
