The Federal Government has restated its dedication to empowering Nigerian youth and promoting economic self-reliance as 100 participants successfully completed the second batch of the Skillnovation Training Programme held in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The intensive four-week programme focused on equipping young people with practical vocational and digital skills, offering hands-on training in hair making, make-up artistry, confectionery, digital marketing, and shoemaking. These skill areas were strategically selected to enable participants to establish income-generating ventures and contribute meaningfully to community-level economic growth.
During the closing ceremony, certificates and financial support packages were presented to the trainees. Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Chief Obinna Nwaka, the Director General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda to cultivate an entrepreneurial and self-reliant youth population.
He explained that Skillnovation complements existing youth-focused initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Academy, Pi CNG Youth Initiative, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) — all designed to enhance innovation, productivity, and economic inclusion among young Nigerians.
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“The Skillnovation Programme demonstrates our unwavering resolve to empower young Nigerians with relevant skills that promote creativity, enterprise, and sustainable livelihoods,” he stated, commending private sector collaborators like Dr. Chiji Ojukwu of the African Project Development Centre for their pivotal role in advancing government-led empowerment efforts.
Other dignitaries, including Hon. Kelechi Ugwumba and Ms. Evelyn from the Volunteer Group, echoed the sentiment that investing in youth development remains crucial to achieving long-term national progress.
The graduation event symbolised the successful conclusion of a grassroots-oriented training intervention designed to tackle unemployment and foster small-scale entrepreneurship. For the 100 graduates, the combination of technical training and financial assistance offers a foundation for self-sufficiency, business growth, and active participation in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
