FG employs 14,682 Akwa Ibom youths

Following the expansion of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) programme, the Federal Government has provided job opportunities for 14, 682 unemployed youths in Akwa Ibom State.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq, during the closing ceremony of the N-Skill training on smartphone repairs in Uyo, yesterday.

Represented by the National Coordinator of N-Power, Mr. Nsikak Okon, she said Federal Government had invested over N5.2 billion for the training, provision of tools, and payment of monthly stipends to beneficiaries.

According to her, the N-Skill programme is designed to equip and move beneficiaries into labour market to optimise employment opportunities for youths.

She said: “We are here in Akwa Ibom State for the closing ceremony of the in-centre training component of the N-Skills programme.

“Once again, I want to stress that all of you were carefully selected to explore the job and wealth creation opportunities in the information technology sector, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“The in-centre and work-based training, N-Skills programme is designed to tool and transition beneficiaries into labour market to optimise employment opportunities.”

The minister added that the Federal Government had spent one billion dollars yearly for poverty alleviation through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) across the country since 2016.

Farouq said following President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the restructuring of NSIP, processes have been instituted to institutionalise the NSIP and to make it more impactful on the economy and reach citizens.

According to her, this led to the introduction of the N-Skills programme, which is based on a certification system and accreditation of practical training provided through the informal apprenticeship system anchored by Master Craft Persons (MCPs).

Farouq noted that, with the expansion of the NSIP, the Federal Government would double job and wealth creation opportunities for youths and commended the state government for its cooperation toward the realisation of President Buhari’s lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.