Skills - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Thu, 2025

Coy trains 100 almajiris on skills in Kaduna

228 total views today

By Sani Idris

A firm, Nutriment Investment Hub Ltd, on Thursday began a three-month training of 100 teenage Almajiris on various skills in Kaduna.

Amlajiris are children who leave their families to study Islam in Qur’anic schools, mostly in the northern part of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company is a subsidiary of Nutriment Feeds and Nutriment Holdings.

The Almajiri children would be trained on alternative farming, which is sack farming and gardening, livestock, poultry farming, shoe cobbling, soap and pomade making, among others.

Mr Dauda Oche, the Group’s Head of the company, said they organised the programme tagged, “Almajiri Lets Farm”, as a corporate social responsibility.

Oche said that the firm had realised that there were a lot of things that they needed to do as a company.

He explained that the programme was a community-based initiative designed to empower the almajiri children with practical agricultural and life skills through practical training.

According to Oche, the programme seeks to provide the almajiri children with sustainable
skills that could enhance their food security, self-sufficiency and long-term livelihood opportunities.

He, therefore, said the programme was aimed at introducing the children to agriculture and enhancing their self-sufficiency.

This is by providing life-long skills, encouraging environmental sustainability and
fostering community involvement.

Oche emphasised: “The aim is not for people to come as aid to support the Almajiris, but to collaborate with the stakeholders for a sustainable outcome for the future of the Almajiris.

“For us, we are not saying that philanthropists should come and give us money for free, that era is over.

“We want to see an era of collaboration, because we believe that the almajiris have dignity, talents and intelligence.”

Speaking further, Oche said they met some institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic where they sought for 70 hectares of land for cultivation based on the training of the almajiris.

He said that they have had some training on precision agriculture where they could farm sorghum, maize, millet and soybeans.

Oche disclosed that the organisation was looking for the possibilities of empowering about 10, 000 almajiris in the nearest future.

He said, according to the World Health Organisation, about 8.5 to 10 million almajiris constitute 70 per cent of the out-of-school children.

Oche said, “If you empower that number, you can imagine the food security that will come instead of running about in the streets going from one place to the other.

“We realised that they will be more productive to the society and to themselves.

“If an almajiri can farm 22 tubers of yam, it could take care of the carbohydrate requirements for 365 days which is sufficient for the almajiri.

“If we put eight to 10 million Almajiris into such production, it will solve 10 to 20 per cent of carbohydrates requirements of the nation,”he said.

Oche said that a country like Brazil that has a population of 220 million people, earns about 100 million metric tonnes of grains from farming.

He, therefore, said Nigeria, which has a population of about 230 million people and an average of production of 11.5 million metric tonnes, showed a lot of deficits.

“The size of arable lands that we are utilising is less than 50 per cent. with this initiative, I believe we can do much more,”he explained.

Earlier, the Chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Mahmoud Lawal, commended the organisation for empowering the almajiris.

He restated the government’s commitment to supporting such programmes, ensuring that almajiri children acquired skills for self-sufficiency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training’s duration is for three months.

It will take place simultaneously at Unguwar Rimi, Badarawa, Babban Saura, Rigasa and Badiko.(NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Sat, 2025

Metro

Public service: FCTA builds leadership capacities of young civil servants

306 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a capacity building programme to nurture leadership abilities of young civil servants for effective public service.

Mr Grace Adayilo, Head of FCT Civil Service stated this in Abuja on Friday, at the opening of the1st Cohort of the FCT Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (FCT LEAD-P).

Adayilo explained that the FCT LEAD-P was one of three core training programmes established under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), 2020 to 2025.

She said that the programme specifically targets civil servants on grades level 10 to 14, made up of highly talented individuals deemed essential for the succession planning and transformation of the civil service.

According to her, the programme is strategically designed to attract, recruit, and nurture these individuals through a comprehensive array of training activities.

“LEAD-P is regarded as a pivotal element for the future of public service, with its guidelines informed by the FCSSIP, policies governing leadership management and succession planning in the civil service.

“Establishment of the FCT LEAD-P is a crucial step toward ensuring that we have a pool of highly skilled and capable leaders ready to take on the challenges of governing our vibrant capital territory.”

She disclosed that the FCT LEAD-P aims to train a minimum of 100 officers every year to cultivate a new generation of leaders.

She added that the officer would be equipped not only with the requisite knowledge and skills but also with resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to FCT’s shared vision of public service excellence.

Adayilo said that the move would establish a solid foundation for effective succession planning that fosters a culture of self-development, designed to enrich the civil service landscape.

The head of service commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for approving the programme, which demonstrated his commitment and visionary leadership.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth that lie ahead.

The Permanent Secretary, Common Services, FCTA, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, said that the programme marks a significant and transformative chapter in the journey toward building a dynamic and efficient civil service in the FCT.

“This programme is not just an educational endeavour; it is a gateway to self-discovery and professional growth.

“Our commitment extends beyond mere training; it is about nurturing a culture of leadership that resonates throughout every level of our administration.

“Each successful cohort of this programme will be regarded as the elite crop of civil servants, distinguished by the depth of knowledge and expertise they have acquired,” he said.

On her part, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, said that the programme was the first of its kind in the history of the FCT.

“This is the first time this is happening in the FCTA to fill the identified gaps in service delivery following a result of a baseline research,” she said.

Ahmadu Said that 975 officers applied for the programme, out of which only 100 would be selected for a 7-months training within and outside the FCT.

She said that the officers would be trained to fill the gap in the next generation of leaders when their time comes to become directors, permanent secretaries or head of service.

She explained that the officer would be trained to work in any of FCTA’s secretariats, departments and agencies, including serving as technical assistants to political appointees. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Wed, 2025

Economy/Business

ACCI empowers 15 youths with ICT, vocational skills

226 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has trained 15 youths in Information Communication Technology (ICT), administrative management, and other vocational skills.

President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, stated this during the 2nd graduation ceremony for the one-year competency-based training in Abuja.

Represented by his 1st Deputy President, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the ACCI boss said that the goal was to equip the youths with the needed skills to excel in their respective fields.

He stated that the trainees had participated in both the Office Administration (OA) and Technical Facility Operations and Maintenance (TFOM) Competency-Based Dual Vocational Training Programmes.

Obegolu emphasised that the event marked the culmination of months of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, with students completing rigorous and industry-focused training programmes.

“This training is the second phase of our competency-based programmes and serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, self-reliance, and commitment to excellence in vocational training,” Obegolu said.

He added that the goal of these programmess was to equip participants with the essential skills required to excel in their respective fields.

“These programmes go beyond traditional learning. They immerse trainees in real-world scenarios, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience,” he explained.

He further noted that the Office Administration programme followed the Dual Vocational Training (DVT) model, integrating workplace experience with academic instruction, leading to a level four certification under the National Skills Qualification Framework.

Obegolu also mentioned that the programmes were approved by the Federal Government through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He added that since 2021, the programmes have trained individuals in key areas such as workplace organisation, business communication, information technology, administrative management, and financial and legal support functions.

He described the TFOM programme, which focuses on technical facility management, highlighting its importance in equipping trainees with competencies across 12 critical learning fields, including safe working practices, environmental protection measures, electrical installation, and building security.

“The programme’s methodology, which combines one month of classroom instruction with three months of practical field training, ensures that graduates are highly employable,” Obegolu said.

He also lauded the graduates for developing essential soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism.

“These attributes will serve them well in their careers and contribute positively to their organisations and society,” he added.

Obegolu expressed his gratitude to GIZ and other stakeholders for their unwavering support in ensuring the successful execution of the training

He encouraged the graduates to embrace future opportunities with confidence and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Mrs Britta Erckelens, Programme Manager at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), praised the graduates for establishing a solid foundation of excellence.

She urged them to develop their skills and contribute to their respective industries to drive economic growth in Nigeria.

She also lauded the collaboration between GIZ and ACCI, which had enhanced the capacity of the ACC-IBEST Centre to deliver high-quality, market-relevant training programmes.

Mrs Phoebe Ocheche, Head of Training at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), advised the graduates to remain focused and share their experiences with others.

She thanked GIZ and ACCI for their efforts in making the training a success.

On behalf of the graduates, Mr Mamza Chakiram from the Industrial Arbitration Panel thanked ACCI, GIZ, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the training.

He said that the experience had exposed them to various technology programmes.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Thu, 2024

Economy/Business

ACCI to establish university to bridge skills gap in Africa

287 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced plans to establish a Continental University aimed at addressing the skills gap across Africa.

The President of ACCI, Dr Emeka Obegolu, said this at the chamber’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.

According to Obegolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the proposed university, known as the ACCI Continental University, will provide hybrid online and full-time education.

He said the institution would operate as a truly pan-African university, offering training in five major languages including English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Swahili.

According to the ACCI boss, the diverse languages will serve the diverse regions of the continent.

“We are engaging with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to secure approval for the university.

“The facilities are already in place, and we are consulting with international education specialists to design a comprehensive curriculum, particularly for the language components,” Obegolu said.

He said that the university would focus on equipping students with practical and technical skills tailored to meet the demands of the labour market.

The ACCI president restated the need to address the mismatch between university graduates’ qualifications and the skills required by industries.

“It is no longer enough to graduate with degrees in political science or sociology without the necessary foundational skills.

“Many of these graduates end up in unrelated fields, such as banking, without adequate preparation,” he said.

The ACCI president added that the university would support businesses by providing trained personnel in high-demand fields such as carpentry, medicine, and other vocational areas.

Obegolu also emphasised that the university would bridge the gap in skilled manpower across the continent, ensuring businesses had access to a workforce tailored to their specific needs.

On the timeline for the university’s launch, he said it would depend on the NUC’s approval.

“We are ready on our part, but the timeline is subject to the NUC’s decision. Once we secure their approval, we will announce a definitive schedule.

“I am calling on the media to support the initiative by promoting its vision and objectives, which aligns with fostering economic growth and reducing unemployment across Africa,” he said.

According to Obegolu, the year 2024 has been challenging for many businesses as they continued to stay afloat without sinking.

“The Chamba is a sub-component of Nigeria, so businesses have not had it easy for 2024, but again, there are pointers that 2025 may be better.

“If we are able, as a country, to deal with the stability of our national currency, the Naira , it will help businesses to plan ahead.

“The challenge we faced in 2024 is the inability of businesses to plan because without knowing what the exchange rate will be, it is difficult for businesses to plan.

“So what they resorted to was more of gambling, and some won, some lost. So businesses thrived, some businesses also suffered and shut down,” Obegolu said.

On projections for 2025, Obegolu said the ACCl would focus on advocating for the development of the Idu Industrial District, as it had the potential to support employment in the country.

According to him, the hub will support industrialisation and the economy of the Federal Capital Territory.

Obegolu therefore reiterated the importance for state governments to set up a minimum of one or two industrial districts with dedicated power, infrastructure, and everything needed for businesses to thrive.

On the increased inflation rate, Obegolu said instability rather than rate increase was the challenge, thus the importance of regulating the Naira to enable businesses to plan.

On the increased inflation rate, Obegolu said the major challenge was the instability of the naira, thus the importance of regulating the naira to enable businesses to plan.

While commending the Chamber for the strides achieved over the years, its First Deputy President, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, reiterated the importance of collaboration among members.

Adesugba said, “We can only be stronger as an organisation when we work together.”

Also, the ACCI Second Deputy president, Dr Aliyu Hong, commended the vision, courage, and boldness of the chamber’s president.

“We have a formidable president who is thinking for tomorrow and not today. That is why we have been able to achieve the things we have achieved today.

“I want to urge members to take advantage of the initiatives we have at the chamber as they provide basic solutions to most of the problems we face as a business,” he said.

The President, Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Mr David Etim, urged the government to include the private sector in its projects as it was a major way of growing the economy. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Tue, 2024

General News

Foundation empowers SERVICOM staff with skills for better service delivery

419 total views today

By Angela Atabo

An NGO, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has empowered SERVICOM staff members with advanced skills for better public service delivery.

National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, made this known at a four-day monitoring and evaluation (M&E) training programme, organised for the organisation’s officials on Monday in Abuja.

Akajemeli said that the initiative represented an important step toward promoting transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.

“Following the partnership agreement signed with SERVICOM in July 2024, SERVICOM, which stands for Service Compact, ensures Nigerian citizens receive quality services from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“To support SERVICOM’s important role in public service, the foundation assessed the skills of its staff to identify any gap that might impact their work.

“The assessment showed that improving monitoring and evaluation skills could help staff develop and oversee standard operating procedures across public institutions, leading to better services for Nigerians,” she said.

Akajemeli said that the training programme, delivered by Workforce Group, equipped SERVICOM staff members with important skills in data collection and analysis, modern software tools and effective evaluation methods.

She said that participants learned how to create standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operations and service delivery as well as to monitor their application across MDAs.

The national coordinator further stated that the training enabled the participants to assess the services provided by MDAs and ensure that they were up to standard, resulting in better outcomes for citizens.

“The training, supported by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and delivered under our partnership with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, improves on our existing capabilities.

“It empowers SERVICOM to fulfill its mission of ensuring quality public service delivery.

“We are excited about the impacts this programme will have on Nigeria’s public service landscape,” she said.

Also speaking, Head of Operations at SERVICOM and participant, Mrs Ngozi Akinbodewa, said that the training had helped in broadening her knowledge in many ways.

“I learned how to create standard operating procedures during the training.

“Developing these procedures will improve our operations by clearly defining roles and responsibilities,” she said.

Executive Vice-Chair of the foundation, Mrs Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said that the training represented a key step toward improving the experiences of Nigerians who relied on public services.

Aig-Imoukhuede said that it would also boost the skills of SERVICOM staffers, improve accountability and transparency across MDAs and set a standard for lasting improvements in public services delivery to citizens.

She said that through the programme, SERVICOM staffers were better prepared to implement effective monitoring and evaluation practices that would improve public service delivery across MDAs.

“They can use data-driven insights to identify service gaps, improve public satisfaction and ensure that MDAs meet their commitments to Nigerian citizens,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and ‘Wale Sadeeq