By Monday Ijeh
The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Danjuma Shekwolo, has pledged commitment to tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable economic empowerment across the council.
The Divisional Head of Information and Public Relations of the council, Mr Nimrod Koce, said this in a statement on Monday in Kuje.
Koce said the council boss spoke during the inauguration of a skill acquisition training programme for 200 residents of the council.
Shekwolo described the skill acquisition programme as more than just a training programme, but a beacon of hope, empowerment, and self-reliance for the people of Kuje.
He said unemployment and poverty had remained significant challenges affecting many young people and women, adding that government alone could not address the challenges.
“The council has adopted a practical approach centred on equipping residents with marketable vocational skills that will make them self-employed and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
“This is designed to provide beneficiaries with practical, market-driven skills capable of creating employment opportunities and generating wealth within the area council.
“The first phase of the programme covers training in fashion design and tailoring, catering and confectionery, hairdressing and beauty therapy, ICT, phone repairs, and computer training.
“Other areas are painting, POP and tiling, as well as agriculture and agro-processing,” he said.
According to him, upon successful completion of the training, every participant will receive starter packs and relevant working tools to enable them to establish their own businesses immediately.
He pledged the commitment of the council to support the participants beyond the training period and urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity.
The council boss expressed optimism that the programme would produce skilled entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods within Kuje Area Council.
He said the programme was one of the flagship initiatives of the present council administration, aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, youth development, and sustainable community empowerment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah