By Gami Tadanyigbe
The Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, has officially flagged off the Kuje Area Council Skills Acquisition Training Programme, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic development across the Area Council.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Shekwolo described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to equip residents with practical vocational skills that will enhance self-reliance, stimulate entrepreneurship, and improve livelihoods.
According to the Chairman, the programme is more than a routine government initiative; it is a platform for hope, opportunity, and economic transformation for the people of Kuje.
He noted that unemployment and poverty remain major socio-economic challenges confronting many young people and women, emphasizing that government cannot solely depend on the provision of white-collar jobs to address the growing demand for employment.
“Our focus is to empower our people with practical, marketable skills that will enable them to become self-employed, create wealth, and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of our communities,” he said.
Hon. Shekwolo explained that the training programme has been carefully designed to provide beneficiaries with industry-relevant skills capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities and fostering small business development within the Area Council.
The first phase of the programme features training in Fashion Design and Tailoring, Catering and Confectionery, Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Phone Repairs and Computer Maintenance, Painting, POP and Tiling, as well as Agriculture and Agro-processing.
In a major boost for participants, the Chairman announced that every successful trainee would receive starter packs and essential working tools upon graduation to enable them establish their own businesses immediately after completing the programme.
He assured beneficiaries that the Council’s support would extend beyond the training period, stressing that the initiative is aimed at producing entrepreneurs and skilled artisans who will become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
Hon. Shekwolo urged all participants to approach the programme with seriousness, discipline, and dedication, expressing confidence that the training would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable careers and improve their standard of living.
He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented programmes that directly impact the lives of residents, noting that human capital development remains a key pillar of his development agenda.
The Skills Acquisition Programme is one of the flagship initiatives of the Shekwolo-led administration, aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, reducing unemployment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and empowering youths and women with sustainable means of livelihood.
Signed:
Nimrod V. Koce
Divisional Head
Information & Public Relations
Kuje Area Council