The Federal Government, through the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, on Monday flagged off the Renewed Hope Vocational & Skills Training Programme at the Government Science Technical College, GSTC, Area 3, Garki, Abuja.
The flag-off ceremony was declared open by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, who described the programme as a flagship empowerment initiative of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his keynote address, the Minister said the programme represents “a practical demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the President to addressing unemployment, reducing poverty, promoting entrepreneurship, and expanding opportunities for Nigerians through sustainable skills development.”
Dr. Doro noted that skills acquisition is now an economic necessity. He added that the Renewed Hope Vocational & Skills Training Programme was designed as “a comprehensive pathway to economic empowerment and poverty reduction” and not just another training exercise.
The Minister highlighted the Federal Government’s decision to refurbish and redistribute vocational equipment that had deteriorated in warehouses as a bold step towards prudent management of public resources.
He charged beneficiaries to approach the training with discipline and commitment, and urged training providers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.
The Minister further stated that Government will establish mechanisms for continuous mentoring, enterprise tracking, and impact evaluation to ensure the programme delivers sustainable jobs and businesses.
“The success of this programme will ultimately be measured not by the number of people trained, but by the number of sustainable businesses established, jobs created, and families lifted out of poverty,” Dr. Doro said.
He commended President Tinubu for his leadership, and acknowledged the National Assembly, State Governments, development partners, and all stakeholders for their support in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister thereafter formally declared the Renewed Hope Vocational & Skills Training Programme flagged off.
Speaking earlier, the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, Assoc. Prof. Badamasi Lawal, PhD, said the first phase of the programme will directly benefit over 18,000 Nigerians across the 36 States and the FCT.
He explained that the initiative was conceived to address rising youth unemployment and to put to productive use vocational starter packs that had remained in warehouses for several years.
According to him, beneficiaries are being selected through a transparent process involving the National Assembly, State Governments, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Youth and Women Groups, Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, and other stakeholders. Priority is being given to unemployed youths, women, and vulnerable persons.
The CEO listed the 14 high-demand vocational trades to be covered as:
Automobile Technology, Agricultural Technology, Baking and Confectionery, Carpentry, Catering Services, Electrical Installation, Housekeeping, Jewellery and Bead Making, Masonry, Plumbing, Welding and Fabrication, Fashion Design and Sewing, Grinding Machine Operations, and Vulcanizing and Tyre Services.
In addition to technical skills, beneficiaries will receive training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business management, and digital literacy. Upon completion, they will be issued trade-specific starter packs to enable immediate transition into self-employment.
The National Programme Manager, N-Power, Dr. Nsikak Okon, said implementation will be decentralized across the six geopolitical zones using accredited Government Technical Colleges and vocational institutions. GSTC Abuja was selected to host the flag-off due to its capacity to deliver industry-relevant training.
Dr. Okon added that NSIPA has deployed a robust digital Monitoring, Evaluation and Data Management System for real-time tracking of training, attendance, starter pack distribution, and post-training outcomes.
Attari M. Hope, ANIPR
Head, Information and Public Relations
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