The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has trained 250 young Nigerians under a high-impact skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programme aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic resilience.
The programme, held in Lagos, featured an intensive three-week training covering business development, digital marketing, solar panel installation, and other vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
The HR Anchor learnt that the initiative was designed to equip participants with practical tools required to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Delivering the keynote address, a Director in the Capacity Development Directorate of the NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, said youth empowerment remains a central pillar of the board’s mandate.
“Youth empowerment remains a top priority of our Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, and we are committed to equipping young Nigerians with practical, income-generating skills that can strengthen livelihoods and enhance economic resilience,” he said.
Engr. Bamidele urged the beneficiaries to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme productively, noting that skills acquisition has consistently proven to be a sustainable source of income for individuals and families.
He cautioned the graduates against selling their starter packs, warning that evidence from similar programmes shows that participants who actively apply their skills often earn more than those in conventional white-collar employment.
The NCDMB Director disclosed that the board is already accepting applications for another batch of youths, particularly engineering graduates aged 35 years and below, for specialised skills training.
According to him, the initiative is targeted at equipping participants with competencies that will give them a competitive advantage in the oil and gas industry.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Programme Coordinator of Jake Riley Academy, the programme’s training partner, Mrs. Funmi Ogbue, described the initiative as a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s local content development agenda.
“The programme recognises Nigerian youths as future nation-builders who must be adequately prepared to play their roles in national development,” she said.
Mrs. Ogbue disclosed that the 250 participants were selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process and trained in diverse areas, including business development, digital marketing and social media strategy, financial literacy, solar panel installation, textile production, catering and food business, as well as corporate business models.
She encouraged the graduates to uphold strong moral values and integrity in their entrepreneurial pursuits, noting that knowledge without good character could limit personal and professional success.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Adenike Arewulo, expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying the training had provided participants with practical skills and the confidence to develop business ideas and pursue self-reliant careers without depending solely on white-collar employment.
