The Nation Newspaper

Tag: vocational training

  • Hundreds graduate from RCCG’s vocational training

    Hundreds graduate from RCCG’s vocational training

    No fewer than 200 youths have graduated from a two-week intensive vocational training under the auspices of Redeemed Initiative for Skills and Empowerment (RISE).

    At the 13th graduation ceremony at the Redemption Camp, KM 46 Lagos-Ibadan expressways, last week, the students had the opportunity to showcase different vocational skills they acquired.

    RISE was organised by the Redeemed National Youth and Young Adult in collaboration with Freesia Foundation.

    Some of the skills learnt include arts and crafts, web designing, photography, fish farming, baking, interior decoration, wooding crafts, desktop publishing and driving, among others.

    The chief facilitator, Femi Ariyo, explained that the programme was impressed by the enthusiasm of the students.

    He said the training was targeted at salvaging the challenges of youth unemployment, poverty and practical application.

    “Each of the students is engaged to be a problem solver, not just to leave here and still be waiting for what they can get instead of what they can give,” he said.

    He praised the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Assistant General Overseer Young Adults and Youth Affairs, Pastor Peter Amenkhienan, for their support that has been very encouraging about the RISE programme, which is why it has always been a success.

    Michael Obians, 24, who came from Rivers State, said the programme has brought changes to his life.

    “Before I came here, I was into different types of businesses but I learnt ankara craft here.

    “I have passion for fashion because I was a tailor. I want to kick start my own fashion industry.

    “Fashion never ends; it also rebrands itself, so I believe that with my knowledge of fashion I will make it big.”

    Mary Isaac, a 200 level student of the Taraba State University, said:  “It has been inspiring. I learnt ankara craft. When I get back to Taraba I will start my hand work and get better in it.”

    Emelis Onisofien from Rivers State learnt web designing.

    He said though it was tasking, the training was also interesting and adventurous.

    The Chemistry teacher said he learnt web designing because it is what any person can do as long as they have passion and interest in it.

    A Yoruba Language student, Gabriel Grace from Ondo State, said she can now handle the camera and take good shots.

    She said: “I have learnt how to go into the world and market myself and how to relate with my clients.”

  • Re: Governors for German Vocational Training?

    SIR: The letter with the above title written by one Professor Adekunle Akinyemi published in The Nation of Wednesday July 27 page 18 refers. The truth is that the short, three day visit to Germany is meant to domesticate certain German successes in Nigerian states based on the presentation by the German Ambassador towards the diversification of the economies of the states, now that revenue from oil has become very contentious, not as forthcoming as before and when it comes it is few and far between.

    The likes of Professor Akinyemi should endeavor to appreciate governors’ efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of the Nigerian people. It is important to know that the current economic circumstances in all the tiers of government have technically eliminated wasteful ventures and no one is more aware of this than governors. None of the governors on the German trip went with more than the aide whose function is critical to the visit. The governors will be visiting agricultural and health products manufacturing concerns, to discuss how to transfer their technology to Nigeria.

    The mention of vocational training arose because the team would also look at such centres with a view to establishing same in Nigeria towards a comprehensive job-creation module for Nigerian youths. Our governors are not undergoing vocational training. Most of them are accomplished in the professions, businesses or academia.

    Nigerian governors are doing their best to drive their states out of the woods. This German trip is one such effort. And there are several other efforts to appreciate. In Delta State, the government is partnering with Switzerland to diversify the economy and move the state from over-dependence on oil. Lagos and Kebbi states have paired up to improve rice production in partnership with Access Bank. Sokoto State has just established a secondary school in the only Local Government Area that never had one. Adamawa State has opened feeder roads in several parts of the state where roads were unheard of before; commerce and other social activities have begun to flourish in those areas. Kaduna State has taken giant strides in its urbanization drive, since Nasir el-Rufai stepped in, moving it from its decade’s old decay to a modern hub for northern people. Borno and Yobe states are rebuilding public confidence by resettling Internally Displaced Persons in their domain and life is steadily returning to normal. On the social plane, the Ogun State government has just adopted a nine-year-old child that had been abused by his own father. Besides, just as nearly 70% of revenue generated by the Federal Government in June did not come from oil, states are also doing their best to augment their income by looking inward, to raise their Internally Generated Revenue. Why can’t people see all these?

    Indeed, the pending issue of non-payment of salaries in some states has remained contentious but that is because those who benefit from the bloating of wage-bills with ghost workers have refused to allow the screening and biometric identification of the work forces of some of these states to be concluded, for genuine workers to be identified and paid. But governors are determined to get to the root of the matter. There is light at the end of the tunnel and governors should be encouraged not disparaged. Criticism should be constructive, not destructive.

     

    • Abdulrazaque Bello Barkindo

    Head, Media and Public Affairs,

    Nigeria Governor’ Forum, Abuja.

  • UN Centre sensitises youths on vocational training

    UN Centre sensitises youths on vocational training

    The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Multipurpose Hall was filled, last week, as students, youths, professionals, members of academia and politicians gathered to mark the maiden United Nations (UN) World Youths Day, with the theme: Skill acquisition: Panacea for youth unemployment.

    The event was organised by the college chapter of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (UNESCO-UNEVOC).

    The UNEVOC Co-ordinator, Dr Amina Idris, said the Centre was set up to reduce the rush for white-collar jobs and to train youths to be self-reliant. She said Centre had objective to provide vocational skills, competency, capacity building and staff development.

    The aim of vocational enterprises and innovation, she said, is to close gap in skill acquisition and training youths for work and opportunities. She said: “I see bright future ahead of youths, who acquire useful skills. They will be the driving force of the economy.”

    The Rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo, said skills acquisition remained the panacea for youth unemployment. Any youth, who acquires skill, she said, will enhance his ability to make informed choices in employment opportunities.

    The Rector said the event was to raise awareness on the importance of investing in skill acquisition to reduce unemployment.

    Speakers at the event included Nollywood actors Mrs Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde and Hon. Desmond Elliot, who charged the youths to follow their passion and dream to make themselves independent after school. They said the only way to success was to abide to acquire adequate skills.

    Joshua Udensi, a participant, said the event could motivate students to be employers of labour, stressing that skill acquisition would solve job crisis facing the nation.

    The UNEVOC Coordinator at YABATECH, Dr Fumilayo Doherty, said the aim of the Centre was being achieved gradually.

    Other guests at the event included Deputy Rector for Academics, Mr Innocent Akhuemonhkan, his Administration counterpart, Dr Mau’ruf Adebakin, Registrar and Ms. Charity Amapakabo.

  • 10 get vocational training in Lagos

    10 get vocational training in Lagos

    UNEMPLOYED youths have been advised to acquire vocational skills to enable them become self-employed.

    Promoters of Administrative Continuity Team (ACT), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), gave the advice at the graduation of the second set of its vocational trainees.

    Ten beneficiaries underwent training in fashion designing, shoe making and hair dressing, among others. They were presented with working tools and a startup capital. They were also offered tips on branding and account keeping that could help them sustain their businesses.

    ACT is a socio-political group in Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos State. It was founded by members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and it is dedicated to bringing dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

     “ACT is involved in activities towards the improvement and sustainability of a better quality of life to community members; so, skill acquisition is taken very seriously. The team is fully committed to ensuring its continuity in its service to the state,” said ACT clerk Obafemi George.

    At the graduation held at Beach Gate Hotel near Jakande Roundabout in Eti Osa, George said the group would continue to empower youths and encourage economic growth.

    Bimbo Ajilara, a fashion designer, who trained prospective fashion designers, lamented the growing number of unemployed youths. He described the empowerment scheme as ACT’s modest way of reducing unemployment.

    He said: “I hope the graduating students use the materials given to them for good and not a waste.”

    The group’s speaker, Ojomo Owoyemi, congratulated the graduands and called on individuals and corporate bodies to assist ACT to do more. Ojomo said the group would sustain the programme, adding: “It is one thing to begin an initiative; it is another thing to make it a reality. What we have started in ACT shall continue.”

    Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Executive Secretary Abayomi Daramola said ACT installed street light on First Unity Road in Badore Eti-Osa and conducted medical outreaches at Jakande Estate, Ikota, among others

    One of the beneficiaries, Aminat Badru, who learned fashion designs, thanked ACT for teaching them how to fish saying:  “I decided to learn a skill while awaiting admission. I knew I had to look for a means to provide for my needs. So, I was very happy when I learned about ACT training school from my mother. While in school, I was also made the governor of the class.

    “I learned a lot from sewing, measuring, cutting and customer service. The only problem that came to my mind was how I would raise money to buy a machine but ACT has provided us with machines and capital to start off,” she said.

    Ahmed Sukura and Lucky Johnson, who were trained as fashion designer and shoe maker also shared their experiences.

    “I had always been interested in fashion designs,” said Sukura, adding: “Before ACT came, I had been looking for how to learn fashion (designing) but there was no opportunity. I am an orphan; I have no one except my guardian but I also need to try to learn something myself to earn a living.

    “Until this time, the challenge I had was how to combine fashion designs with going to school, but I have now been able to resolve that with planning. I was also thinking of how to buy a sewing machine before, but ACT gave us a sewing machine and a startup capital.”

    Johnson said: “I already had experience in sandals and other shoes, but not in shoe making. I learnt that from one of our facilitators at the training, Mr Tope Agbelusi. He was really nice to us. He taught us how to identify real and fake leather, how to design and sew manually and with a machine.

    Others in attendance included a former chairman of Eti-Osa LCDA, Prince Anofiu Elegushi; Agbelusi and ACT deputy publicity director Francis Tinubu.

  • Corps members give pupils vocational training

    Corps members give pupils vocational training

    National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State have trained secondary school pupils in  vocational skills at Education Fare and Empowerment Scheme organised by Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Community Development Service (CDS) group.

    CDS President Damilola Ayodele said the scheme was aimed at empowering the beneficiaries with basic knowledge of vocations for personal development and self-reliance.

    The three-day event, attended by NYSC Inspector in the council, Mr. Sauki Maulon and Benue State MDGs Schedule Officer Mr. Theophillus Danjuma also featured a quiz to assess the pupils’ understanding of the training.

    He hailed with the CDS’ initiative, adding that the community would remember them. He reiterated the MDG goals, saying Corps members should strive to touch members of their host communities with positive impacts and sustainable development.

    Seven schools, including Government Secondary School, Royal Secondary School, Divine Wisdom Academy, Sugh Aneke Academy and Tombo Community Secondary School, participated in the training. The training and empowerment sessions were held for the first two days, while the quiz competition was held on the last day.

    Participants were asked to join class of their interest in bead making, barbing, weaving and soap making.

    The competition was held for pupils in junior and secondary school categories.

    Pupils of Divine Wisdom Academy took the first position in the junior category, with 115 points. Royal Secondary School and Government Secondary School took the second and third positions.

    In senior category, Royal Secondary School won the first position after a tie with Government Secondary School.

    Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Isaiah Aunde, a participant from Government Secondary School, said: “I am happy to take part in the training and I appreciate the Corps member for their impacts.”

  • Vocational training vital to economic growth, says ITF

    Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Dr Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, has said the youths’ training under the German dual vocational training partnership with Nigeria would help to fast track the nation’s economic development.

    Speaking at the end of the programme and presentation of certificate to the 43 trainees, Chukkas-Onaeko, expressed appreciation to the German government on the training, which was financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ and conducted by Sequa GmbH.

    The bilateral project, initiated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Giessen-Friedberg to improve vocational education quality in Nigeria, was aimed to further boost German-Nigerian cooperation.

    Chukkas-Onaeko explained that though ITF trained people on ICT and usage of modern technology, her agency was partnering with foreign countries to facilitate Nigeria’s industrial growth.

    Earlier, the president of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ABUCCI), Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, said the chamber participated in the training to bridge the gap between knowledge and pragmatic skills in the economy.

    Ejinkeonye pointed out that the knowledge and skills acquired by the trainees are highly marketable and elusive ones that would enhance their contributions in their various companies and the entire economy.

    The Project Coordinator, Mr. Kehinde Stephen Awoyele, said the objectives of the training were to strengthen civil society, environment protection, fight poverty and ensure good governance.

    He listed insufficient involvement of the private sector, inadequate equipment, obsolete technical infrastructure and deficient qualification of trainers as challenges faced in the training.

    Speaking on the occasion, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Zenner said the trainees would soon start their “new and responsible task of training young Nigerians in office administration, maintenance and technical facility management.

    “So, we celebrate today an outstanding bilateral project which shows the intensive and close German-Nigerian cooperation in our day-by-day work. These very close relations between Germany and Nigeria are characterised by friendship, excellent cooperation and mutual understanding,” he said.

    Zenner said he supported the project because it helps to improve the qualification and employability of many young Nigerians. He, however, pointed out that facilitating more people‘s access to productive employment with a decent wage is also a key element of sustainable economic development.

  • Vocational training for farmers

    The Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has organised a one-day vocational workshop in natural body cream production and Do-it-Yourself sewing practices for women farmers from FUNAAB Extension and Community-based Farming Scheme (COBFAS) communities.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, who was represented by the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), Prof Femi Onifade, said the training focused on practical application of skills learnt as against theory or conventional academic training.

    He said the programme would achieve two Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), namely: eradication of extreme poverty and hunger as well as the promotion of gender equity and empowerment of women. Oyewole implored participants to maximise the opportunity by adopting the technology for use in their respective communities.

    As representatives of their various communities, Director of AMREC, Prof Carolyn Afolami, urged participants to take the training serious so as to replicate the knowledge with members of their communities.

  • 217 get free vocational training

    THE Centre for Vocational Empowerment and Development (CVED), Ipaja, Lagos has empowered 217 youths and women with skills.

    The beneficiaries received training in computer, catering, bead making and wirework, decoration and event management, screen printing, adult literacy, hairdressing, among others.

    At their graduation last weekend, the Chief Executive Officer, Rev David Olatona, said since its inception in 2009, the centre has trained 2,335 students free.

    He said the centre was the outcome of a programme he formed in 2007, which was dedicated to giving 300 less privileged free lunch in the community.  But instead of giving them food everytime, he decided to teach them how to get food.

    Rev Olatona, who is also the Senior Pastor, Dominion Faith International Church (DFIC), said the church formed the Free Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (FEEDS) to prosecute the project. “Under the FEEDS programme,” he said, “ free training was provided to enable people acquire skills aimed at helping them become economically self-reliant. The training holds every Friday at DFIC compound,” adding that certificates are awarded at the completion of the training.

    He scored the programme high, saying it was for this that the church has spread its tentacles to some African countries to establish the centre. He listed some of these as Liberia, Chad, Benin Republic, Niger, Togo, Gambia and Burkina Faso.

    He urged the graduands to “prove yourself with the skills acquired and impact your world positively. Your instructors have done all they could to make you who you are now, though it has been a tenacious experience for some of you…Shun tribalism,ethnocentrism, segregation and groupism. Be peace-loving people”.

    The computer instructor Mr Oladeji Showunmi described his 20-member class as well-behaved and the best so far who took their home work serious. He canvassed more computers to assist in practicals. “The class was wonderful. I recommend the training for graduates,” he said.

    One of the graduands Queen Brendan praised the centre for the training, saying she really enjoyed it. The catering graduate said: “I love the training. I enjoyed it so much. I will recommend it to others.”

  • 1,187 Oyo pupils get vocational training

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said he will continue to empower youths to face the challenges of a changing world.

    He spoke at the closing of the first Pupils Vocational Skills Acquisition programme at the Assembly Hall of the Lagelu Grammar School in Agugu, Ibadan, the state capital.

    About 1,187 secondary school pupils were trained simultaneously in eight centres across the state in bead making, photography, TV/video production, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), haircut, aluminum production, catering, tie and dye and carpentry, among others.

    Ajimobi said skills acquisition was essential to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs.

    He said: “Governments all over the world have the responsibility of focusing on the future of youths. One of the ways we have been doing this is by organising programmes such as this to direct the energy of our children towards productive ventures, with a view to benefiting the family, society and the nation.’’