The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at lifting five million young Nigerians out of poverty through targeted skills acquisition and empowerment programs. This effort, part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), seeks to equip participants with practical and market-relevant skills that will foster economic independence and improve employability.

Dr. Abiola Arogundade, Senior Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, announced the program's commencement during a launch event in Ibadan, Oyo State, on September 28. The initiative, which runs until October 9, is a key component of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of Nigerians through technical and vocational education.

The program, which initially began in the Federal Capital Territory, is expanding to Oyo State and will subsequently reach other states and geopolitical zones across Nigeria. In this phase, 200 young Nigerians are enrolled in training sessions focusing on Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), makeup artistry, and fashion design. Specifically, 30 participants are engaged in Graphics/AI training, while 85 each are learning makeup artistry and fashion design.

Arogundade emphasized that the initiative goes beyond mere skills acquisition. Participants will also be connected to various organizations and business opportunities to facilitate their transition into sustainable livelihoods. "With this program, we are training 200 people. We will also be distributing 500 tablets during the grand finale as part of the Federal Government’s digital empowerment drive," she stated.

The program aims to empower a total of 700 individuals, creating a ripple effect that will benefit their communities and the broader population across Nigeria. Arogundade urged participants to fully engage with the training, highlighting the importance of using their new skills to uplift others in their communities. "President Bola Tinubu is thinking about all young Nigerians in the country and is ready to address their plights," she added.

During the event, Mrs. Oluronke Shonubi, who served as the keynote speaker for the Graphics/AI training, noted that the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence presents Nigeria with significant opportunities to enhance development and prepare the youth for future job markets.

Beneficiaries of the program expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to acquire essential skills. Idowu Olalere, a 400-level student from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, remarked that the training would help bridge the gap between existing skills and the evolving demands of the labor market. Other participants, including makeup trainee Iyabo Ajayi and fashion design trainee Fatunbi Joshua, echoed similar sentiments, expressing optimism that the initiative would effectively reduce unemployment by equipping them with practical skills and self-employment opportunities.

At the end of the training, participants will receive laptops, sewing machines, and fully equipped makeup kits to support their entrepreneurial endeavors and establish sustainable businesses. This program is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and expand opportunities for young Nigerians through technical and vocational education.