By Abubakar Yunusa
A non-governmental organization, the Chiggy Nsofor Foundation (CNF), has called on the federal government to form strategic partnerships with credible NGOs to empower less-privileged Nigerian youths through skills acquisition, arguing that such initiatives would reduce hardship, crime, and banditry.
The appeal was made during the graduation ceremony of the foundation’s “Skill Scale-Up (SSU) Cohort 3,” held on Friday at the Army Estate in Kurudu, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Since its launch last year, the CNF’s Skill Scale-Up program has successfully trained and graduated 55 young Nigerians in tech, digital, and vocational skills. The latest cohort graduated 24 students following a 12-week intensive training.
Speaking at the event, the founder of the foundation, Miss Audrey Chigozie Nsofor, emphasized that empowering youths would cushion economic hardship, promote productivity, and combat social vices.
She called for a clear partnership model where the government provides funding, tools, and an enabling environment, while NGOs deliver the technical training.
”As you can see, today we are graduating 24 students. In just one year of existence, we have successfully trained and graduated a total of 55 students,” Nsofor said. “We are looking forward to higher numbers in the near future.”
She highlighted the accessibility of CNF’s training through its Skill Scale-Up Learning Management System (LMS), which offers courses in:
· Tech Skills: Web Development, UI/UX Design, Data Analysis.
· Digital Skills: Photography & Videography, Digital Marketing, Graphics Design.
· Vocational Skills: Catering, Hairstyling, Makeup Artistry.
One graduate, Miss Jujimrea Kawuwa, who specialized in catering, described the program as exceptional.
She said “The program was an exceptional one and it exceeded what i was expecting and the curriculum includes comprehensive baking instruction (various pastries, including international ones), preparation of diverse Nigerian meals, and international dishes. The training was not limited to local cuisine but expanded to global culinary skills.
”Since am done with the training, my next plan is to start small, taking on jobs like picnics and birthdays events, to build capital and experience before expanding into a larger venture and i want the government to create more opportunities for youths by partnering with foundations like the CNF and it will enable such organizations to expand their reach and impact more life through this kind of training”.
Another graduate, Mr. Udofia Prince Emediong, who trained in UI/UX design, noted how the program shifted his perspective. “Now I can modify existing designs and design new app interfaces—things I had no idea about before. I am very happy,” he said.
He also urged the government to provide adequate resources and an enabling environment for youths to practice their new trades effectively.
