The Federal Government has launched an expanded poverty reduction initiative aimed at lifting five million young Nigerians out of poverty within the next four years through skills acquisition, vocational training and entrepreneurship development.
The initiative is being implemented under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), with a focus on equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and resources to improve their livelihoods and achieve financial independence.
The programme is coordinated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE).
According to the government, the initiative is designed to tackle unemployment, bridge skills gaps and create opportunities for young people to establish businesses or secure employment.
700 Youths Benefit From Oyo Training Programme
As part of the nationwide initiative, 700 youths in Oyo State have benefited from training and empowerment support covering digital skills and vocational trades.
The programme ran from September 28 to October 9, 2026, with a graduation ceremony held at Kensington Adebutu Hall, University of Ibadan.
The training covered graphics design and artificial intelligence (AI), makeup artistry and fashion design. Beneficiaries also received equipment and digital devices to help them apply their newly acquired skills and develop income-generating activities.
According to official information, 30 participants received training in graphics design and AI, while 85 participants each were trained in makeup artistry and fashion design. Another 500 beneficiaries received digital devices as part of the empowerment programme.
The support included laptops, sewing machines, makeup kits and digital tablets, depending on the beneficiaries’ training areas.
FG Plans Nationwide Expansion
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Dr Abiola Arogundade, said the programme was designed to give young Nigerians opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods rather than depend solely on direct assistance.
She urged beneficiaries to use the skills and equipment provided to establish businesses, become financially independent and create opportunities for others in their communities.
The Federal Government said the initiative would expand beyond Abuja and Oyo State to other parts of the country, with training tailored to local needs and economic opportunities.
The programme forms part of broader government efforts to reduce poverty, improve employability and promote economic inclusion through practical education and entrepreneurship.
However, the success of the initiative will depend on effective implementation, access to sustainable business opportunities and the ability of beneficiaries to turn their training into long-term sources of income.
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