The Federal Government has inaugurated a free skills acquisition programme for 100 trainees in Badagry.
The training was done through the World Bank-supported Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) initiative under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
Mrs Blessing Ogwu, National Project Coordinator, IDEAS/TVET, said the trainees will receive a stipend of N22,500 for the 6-month programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education, IDEAS/TVET Initiative in conjunction with SejFarms Consults Ltd., in Badagry.
Ogwu said that 100 youths would be engaged in aquaculture and agriculture with the assistance of SejFarms Consults.
“This initiative has been engaged to train youths in the fisheries and agricultural sectors.
“Today marks the pivotal step in our national efforts to empower young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive in the fast-evolving world.
“Through this initiative, we affirm our resolve to tackle unemployment, foster innovation and promote inclusive development across our geographical location.
“To our training service provider, we appreciate your dedication to professionalism. You are not just facilitators, you are nation builders,” she said.
Speaking, Mr Sejiro Oke-Tojinu, the Managing Director, SejFarms Consults Ltd, said the participants, mainly graduates of agriculture, would become better farmers who would contribute to the national food security agenda.
According to him, the training will be three months of practical and three months of internship.
“When they are done with the programme, they will have the opportunity for mentorship and also for attachment and job opportunities through the management,” he said.
Mr Nurudeen Tiamiyu, the Coordinator of the training, said the training would equip the participants with skills that would assist them in functioning across the agriculture value chain.
Mr Peter Dansu, the media aide to Prince Sesi Whingan, the lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, urged the beneficiaries to leverage the programme to become professional farmers.
Mr Augustine Kiki, a teacher, who represented Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, urged the beneficiaries to get the best out of the training for self-development.
Miss Abosede Alfred, one of the beneficiaries and a graduate of Agriculture from Tai Solarin University, Ikenne, Ogun State, lauded the government, adding that the training would equip them with aquaculture skills.
