By Oso Abidemi
In a push to tackle unemployment and boost self-reliance, the Federal Capital Territory has launched a one-week free holiday vocational and entrepreneurship training for residents of Abuja.
The initiative, flagged off by the FCT Education Secretariat through its Department of Mass Education, is a joint effort with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services.
At the launch event, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, underscored the value of entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, calling it a vital path to economic empowerment.
He reaffirmed the Wike-led administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised the synergy between government and NGOs in equipping citizens for income-generating ventures.
“This training is more than just learning skills. It is a key strategy to build resilience, promote self-reliance and reduce unemployment in our communities,” Hayyo said.
Dr Favour Edem Nse, Director of the Department, described the training as a step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
She noted that it targets women, youths and children while helping reduce the number of out-of-school children and unskilled individuals across the FCT.
Participants will receive practical sessions in soap making, disinfectants, snacks and more, alongside modules on bookkeeping, branding and social media marketing.
The program also promises post-training support to help trainees launch their ventures.
“This is not just about skills. It is about transforming lives,” Dr Edem Nse said, thanking the Education Secretariat for backing the life-changing initiative.
The program, already attracting enthusiastic participants, will continue throughout the week with ongoing mentorship from facilitators.
