The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has empowered youths nationwide with high-demand, self-reliance skills to drive job creation and economic growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a diversified economy beyond oil.
The Lagos arm of the programme ended with a graduation ceremony where beneficiaries received certificates and start-up kits.
The youths expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, NCDMB and partner institutions for providing practical skills capable of transforming their livelihoods.
Programme Coordinator and CEO of Jake Riley Academy, Mrs. Funmi Ogbe, said the initiative focused on seven market-ready skills, including solar installation, fashion design, catering, digital freelancing, textile and Adire making, electrical installation, and GSM/phone repairs.
She noted that trainees first received entrepreneurship and business management lessons before intensive technical training.
According to her, participants aged 18–35 were selected through a transparent process and trained to embrace self-reliance, excellence and strong work ethics.
She added that the programme is running simultaneously across all states, with 250 beneficiaries trained in Lagos, alongside post-training support mechanisms.
Representing NCDMB’s Capacity Building Directorate, John Barigha said beneficiaries were now equipped to become self-employed and employers of labour.
He urged them to use the start-up kits productively, assuring that the board has established a monitoring and follow-up system to track their progress and ensure lasting impact.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh