The Federal Government has launched an exciting youth empowerment initiative in Enugu State, training 150 young people in Artificial Intelligence (AI), solar installation and fashion design to help them build sustainable businesses and escape poverty.
The two-week intensive training commenced on Wednesday at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Business School in Enugu under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS). The programme is coordinated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The initiative is designed to tackle unemployment and multidimensional poverty by equipping participants with practical, income-generating skills and starter packs to support their transition into entrepreneurship.
Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to lifting five million Nigerians out of poverty. She described the South-East as an important part of the initiative and encouraged participants to attend consistently and make the most of the training.
Mr Felix Okonkwo, Director of the Macroeconomic Analysis Department at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, explained that the government was shifting its approach from temporary cash assistance towards sustainable economic empowerment.
According to Okonkwo, participants learning fashion design will receive electric sewing machines, AI trainees will get laptops, while those studying solar installation will receive complete solar installation toolkits. These resources are intended to help beneficiaries establish businesses, generate income and achieve greater financial independence.
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He added that the programme had already been implemented in the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, with further training planned for the South-East before expansion to states across the federation. The 150 participants were selected through an open application process advertised on social media and radio stations.
To ensure lasting impact, Arogundade said the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would monitor beneficiaries and assess their progress after six months and one year.
Enugu State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, commended the initiative, noting that it complements Governor Peter Mbah’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and economic development.
For beneficiary Anthony Edeh, who is training in solar installation, the opportunity represents a promising step towards a brighter future. He expressed gratitude to the government, describing solar technology as a growing sector with significant employment and business opportunities.
