By Stephen Adeleye
The Leafnet Enterprise in partnership with Ladi Memorial Foundation Chateko Vocational Institute (LMF-CVI), have commenced training for 150 youths in Fashion & Garment Making in Kogi.
The initiative is under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (FME-IDEAS) Project supported by the World Bank.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday, the LMF-CVI Executive Director, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, said the orientation was held on Tuesday at the CVI facility along Ganaja road in Ajaokuta, to mark the official kick-off of activities.
She said the training was designed to familiarise trainees with programme objectives, training modules, institutional policies, safety procedures, attendance requirements, assessment methodology, and opportunities after completion.
Osikoya, immediate past Kogi Commissioner for Education, commended President Bola Tinubu, FME-IDEAS, the World Bank and Gov. Ahmed Ododo for supporting the initiative.
She urged trainees to take the programme seriously, noting that Fashion & Garment Making was selected for its high job creation potential and ability to boost MSMEs in Kogi and beyond.
Dignitaries lauded the initiative and stressed that skills acquisition remained key to self-reliance.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, Permanent Secretary Mr Albert Alabi said the programme is strategic as education policy now leveraged entrepreneurship, alongside learning.
Mr Jibrin Abu, House of Assembly member representing Ajaokuta Constituency, encouraged trainees not to feel inferior, saying craftsmanship drove global economies.
The lawmaker pledged partnership support for the programme in his constituency.
Mrs Ruth Opaluwa, Director, Quality Assurance, Kogi Ministry of Education, represented by Mr Abdul Adeyemi, delivered a paper on school safety and child protection, stressing that safeguarding policies are essential for a secure learning environment.
A trainee, Dupe Olowu commended FME and CVI for the opportunity and pledged to perfect her skills and train others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IDEAS-TVET provides free tuition, N22,500 monthly stipend, starter packs, Bank of Industry soft loans, and NBTE certification.
Over 40,000 youths have been trained nationwide, with a target of one million within two years. (NAN)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma
