The African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government, has commenced the second batch of its skill acquisition programme aimed at empowering widows, youths and other vulnerable groups across the state.
The training, which began on Tuesday in Lafia, will run for six weeks and is expected to benefit 100 participants drawn from the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, Mohammed Sameel, said the programme was part of ongoing efforts to equip citizens with relevant skills to improve their livelihoods.
He explained that beneficiaries would receive training in various trades, including Information and Communication Technology, baking and pastries, tailoring, aluminium fabrication, arc-welding, domestic electrical installation, barbing, and hairdressing.
Sameel noted that although 100 candidates were selected for the first phase of the programme, 95 successfully participated. He expressed optimism that the second batch would record similar commitment.
“Those who perform exceptionally well during the training may have their names submitted to the state government for further support,” he added.
The coordinator emphasised that the programme was designed to enable participants to establish small businesses and become employers of labour. He also warned that beneficiaries who fail to maintain punctuality and commitment would not be allowed to graduate, adding that a monitoring team had been set up to track attendance and performance.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Daniel Asele, commended AUDA-NEPAD for initiating the programme and stressed the importance of empowering vulnerable groups with sustainable skills.
Asele reaffirmed the institute’s readiness to support the training throughout its duration.
