) The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has trained 1,127 youths and women in Plateau on agriculture technology, automobile, confectionary, tailoring, among others.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Tuesday in Kuru, near Jos, Mrs Mary Fom, the Coordinator of the Social Investment Programme in Plateau, said that the gesture aimed at empowering young people with skills.
Fom, who said that the beneficiaries were also trained in cooks and catering, mansory, grinding and vulcanising, added that the gesture aimed at addressing poverty in the country.
The coordinator explained that the exercise tagged: “Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training”, was organised through the National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA).
Fom said that the beneficiaries had a two-week intensive training across seven centres in the state, and were handed over starter packs and cash.
“Today is a water shade in the life of the 1,127 beneficiaries of this noble gesture. For two weeks you have learned and you have become better.
“Remember that the era of white collar jobs is gone, invariably the world does not owe you employment but the world certainly and will always pay for problems that get solved, and in reality that is what you are now – problem solvers.
“You are no longer waiting or looking for opportunity, you are opportunity yourselves. You have acquired skills in these vocational trades cut across all demand driven sectors.
“I, therefore, urge you to seize this opportunity and put to practice what you have learned and acquired; start small, be good and excellent at your trade,” she said.
The coordinator also advised the beneficiaries to train other members of their immediate communities, adding that such move would ensure proper expansion of the economic drive of the government.
Speaking, Mr Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), called on the beneficiaries to put the knowledge gained into practical use.
Jatau, who was represented by Mr Timothy Gayi, the Permanent Secretary, Policy in the office of the SSG, warned the beneficiaries against selling the starter packs given to them.
He said that the Caleb Mutfwang-led administration would continually initiate policies and programmes aimed at moving Plateau citizens out of poverty.
Jatau thanked the Federal Government for the initiative, adding that the move would no doubt enhance the economic prosperity of the state. (NAN)
