Youth empowerment: FG unveils skills acquisition centre in Lafia

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Skills Acquisition Centre and two classroom blocks in Lafia, Nasarawa state capital.

The initiative is one of numerous interventions by OSSAP-SDGs to enhance human capital development and drive socio-economic growth in Nigeria.

At the skills acquisition centre, beneficiaries will receive training in a variety of vocational and entrepreneurial skills, including sewing, computer literacy, welding, building trades, photography, and vulcanizing.

These skills will empower individuals with the tools needed to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lafia, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised the centre’s role in tackling youth unemployment and enhancing vocational training.

“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.

She said under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the OSSAP-SDGs has been able to deliver impactful projects.

She said the President’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerians through sustainable development initiatives has made the project a reality for the people of Nasarawa.

Representing the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended the federal government for prioritizing skills development.

He said the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to equipping youths with the tools they need to thrive.

He said it’s through such partnerships that the state government can truly achieve sustainable development in Nasarawa.

The Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, JSC (Rtd), lauded the initiative, and called on beneficiaries to make the best use of the facilities.

He said the young people in the state now have access to modern training facilities that can transform their future.

He urged all stakeholders to ensure the facilities are utilised efficiently and sustainably.

The Executive Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Mohammed Haliru Arabo, also highlighted the positive impact the centre will have on the local economy.

He said by equipping the youths with practical skills, the local government would reduce poverty and foster entrepreneurship.

He said the project is a game-changer for Lafia and beyond.

Also speaking the Managing Director/CEO of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, reiterated the importance of vocational training in achieving national economic stability.

He said education goes beyond the four walls of a classroom, adding that vocational skills provide direct pathways to employment and financial independence.

He commended Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and OSSAP-SDGs for the timely intervention.

“What this represents is a symbol of peace moving forward in this nation. What this represents is a symbol of joy for many families.

“Of course, I am only standing here because of the vision of the father of the nation, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, who is determined to ensure that education remains the primary weapon in the fight against poverty and a source of hope for the people of this country.

“I am honored and delighted to be part of this fight. I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the progress we are witnessing today. I pledge that under my leadership, NELFUND will do everything within its capacity to ensure that this project is an absolute success. This is my commitment.” he said.

The newly commissioned centre is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 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 federal government’s commitment to implementing high-impact interventions, ensuring that “no Nigerian is left behind.”

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