By John Ikani
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has completed the NCDMB/ITF Vocational Skills Training Programme designed to boost the capacity of young Nigerians.
Delivering a virtual address during the close-out/graduation ceremony for the 100 trainees at the Bolton White hotel, Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote explained that the Board’s decision to sponsor the training in collaboration with the ITF was informed by successes of beneficiaries of the first batch of the programme.
Beneficiaries of the first batch were trained on mechanic services and maintenance, mobile phones repairs and troubleshooting, among others.
According to the NCDMB boss: “Most of the beneficiaries of the first batch of this programme as I am aware are gainfully employed and are all set up as entrepreneurs by the trainers and that has informed our decision in sponsoring this second batch of trainees at the ITF Model Skills Training Centre.”
While noting that the Board has provided starter packs and seed fund to the trainees, Engr. Wabote urged them to deploy experience and resources acquired from the programme in becoming employers of labor.
“For the beneficiaries of this second batch of the training programme, you must have a clear line of sight. We have done everything on our part to make sure that you are gainfully employed and become employers of labour and not a burden.
“Let me congratulate you for starting this journey. NCDMB have provided started packs, and seed fund is made available to you. As the saying goes, “to whom much is given, much is expected”. I hope that you will use what you have been given judiciously to transform your lives.”
The local content helmsman went on to commend the ITF and NCDMB team for a successful implementation of the programme.
Also delivering his speech at the event, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of ITF, Sir, Joseph N. Ari appreciated Engr. Wabote for being a very worthy partner in the quest of the respective organizations to equip Nigerian Youths with requisite skills for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Ari who was represented by Mr. Zachariah Piwuna, Director, Research & Curriculum Development Department ITF, noted that the programme was one of the numerous initiatives that has been embarked upon by the Nigerian government and its agencies to empower youths with cutting-edge technical and visional skills to tackle the challenges of poverty and unemployment that are bedeviling the nation.
He further urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the training to empower themselves and make meaningful contribution to the Nigerian Economy.
Beneficiaries of the training who spoke after receiving starter packs thanked the NCDMB and ITF for the training and pledged to use skills acquired during the programme to not only become great entrepreneurs but transform Nigeria from a consuming nation to a producing country.
Other staff of the NCDMB present at the event include the General Manager Capacity Building, Dr. Ama Ikuru, General Manager, PCAD, Engr. Paul Zuhumben and the Manager CBD, Mrs. Angela Okoro.
