The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has presented starter packs to 250 youths who successfully completed training in high-selling, self-reliance skills, reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment and capacity development across Nigeria.
The presentation took place during the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries in Lagos State under the Board’s skills acquisition programme, implemented in partnership with Jake Riley Academy. The initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical, income-generating skills that support entrepreneurship and long-term economic independence.
The Director of Capacity Building at NCDMB, Abayomi Bamidele, a senior official commended the graduates for their discipline and commitment throughout the programme, urging them to make productive use of the opportunity provided. He noted that the presence of members of the House of Representatives, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Content, alongside other stakeholders, underscored the national importance of youth-focused capacity development and local content growth.
He explained that the programme aligns with NCDMB’s statutory mandate to promote sustainable development through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, stressing that practical skills remain essential for economic growth, job creation and financial stability. According to him, the beneficiaries underwent more than three weeks of intensive, hands-on training across several vocational and entrepreneurial fields aimed at enabling immediate income generation.
The Board emphasised that the High-Selling Skills Programme was structured to complement formal education by providing practical competencies that allow participants to earn daily income and reduce dependence on salaried employment. Graduates were encouraged to apply the skills consistently, noting that dedication and discipline could translate into sustainable livelihoods and improved living standards.
The starter packs presented to the beneficiaries were described as critical tools to help them begin practicing their trades immediately. Beneficiaries were cautioned against selling the items, as doing so would undermine the purpose of the programme, which is to create long-term economic empowerment rather than short-term financial gain. The initiative, according to NCDMB, is intended to generate ripple effects by supporting not just individual beneficiaries but also their families and communities.
The Board also disclosed plans to roll out additional readiness and capacity-building programmes targeted at youths aged 35 and below, particularly those with engineering backgrounds, to enhance participation in opportunities within the oil and gas sector. Interested applicants were advised to register through the Board’s official portal when applications open.
The event concluded with appreciation to the Federal Government, NCDMB management, Jake Riley Academy, facilitators and stakeholders for their contributions, while graduates were urged to become ambassadors of self-reliance, entrepreneurship and excellence within their communities.
