President Bola Tinubu has called upon Nigerian youths to actively engage in the skills acquisition program offered by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), aiming to foster gainful employment and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the launch of the NASRDA skills acquisition project, in collaboration with Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), President Tinubu, represented by Mr. Adewale Adeogun, Chairman of the Tinubu National Think Tank (TnT), emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The program, targeting the training of 60,000 youths with valuable life skills, seeks to bridge the information gap regarding government policies and opportunities. President Tinubu highlighted the importance of nationwide participation, urging Nigerians to embrace the program and contribute to reducing unemployment.
“The NASRDA/GBB project is designed to educate, train, and empower NGOs, corporate bodies, religious institutions, and community leaders,” stated Mr. Adeogun. “We are actively engaging with companies and government institutions to facilitate employment for graduates of this program.”
Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, affirmed the government’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills for development, leveraging space science and technology. NASRDA has already conducted a pilot skills acquisition program on telecom infrastructure installation and maintenance, with plans to expand training across various sectors and regions.
Dr. Haruna Mohammed, Technical Adviser to the D-G, revealed that the program is currently profiling participants and planning for the training of 5,000 youths in the next phase, with potential expansion to 60,000 youths based on ministry requests. The curriculum will encompass 27 diverse skills, including artistry, carpentry, and painting.
Mr. Ibrahim Igoche, CEO of GBB, encouraged further collaboration with NGOs to maximize the impact of the program and reduce poverty through youth empowerment. The initiative represents a significant step towards addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth in Nigeria. Sources and related content
