The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has launched a three-week intensive training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills in agriculture, renewable energy, and the automobile industry. The training, which began in Lagos, marks the official commencement of the Skill to Wealth (S2W) programme for the Southwest geopolitical zone.
The initiative was formally flagged off by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Thursday. Speaking at the launch, the Minister emphasized that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to transition the country from poverty alleviation to poverty reduction through sustainable skill empowerment.
“We are not just beginning a training programme but igniting a movement driven by young Nigerians eager to learn, grow, and realize their full potential,” said Yilwatda. “The Skill to Wealth initiative embodies President Tinubu’s vision of turning promises into tangible progress and reducing youth unemployment through targeted intervention in high-impact sectors.”
Prof. Yilwatda encouraged the selected participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. He particularly highlighted the relevance of renewable energy and the need to preserve and modernize the automobile repair trade.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Kofarmata, described the S2W programme as a strategic move to equip vulnerable groups, especially youths and women, with practical skills that foster economic independence. “This is not a handout, but a hand-up,” he said, urging beneficiaries to view the programme as a stepping stone to self-sufficiency and national development.
Mr. David Daser, President and CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), one of the programme’s training partners, praised the government’s efforts to foster youth empowerment. He noted that DBI would continue to provide support for participants looking to scale their businesses post-training.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Youth Council, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Olalekan Adigun, applauded the federal government for investing in youth empowerment. He urged participants to embrace the training wholeheartedly, emphasizing its potential to transform not just individual lives but entire communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ridwan Atolagbe, expressed gratitude to the government for what he described as a “lifetime opportunity,” pledging to make the most of the training to build a successful future.
The Skill to Wealth programme is being rolled out across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the Southwest phase currently underway in Lagos.