Group trains 100 youths in skills acquisition, empowerment

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

In it bids to reduce social vices in the society, nongovernmental organization, known as Mobilization for Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria (MEDAN) have trained 100 youths in skill acquisition and empowerment programme to address unemployment and poverty resultant of insurgency bedeviling the country.

The youths were trained in skill acquisitions such as Poultry and Fish farming, Photography and video coverage, Computer operation and applications, Inverter and Solar panel installation, Catering and Decoration services, Electrical installation and Soap production.

Speaking during the maiden graduation of the Association, Founder of MEDAN, IshaqShittu said skill acquisition and self-empowermentprogrammes remains the only solution or panacea to address unemployment resultant of insurgency in the country.

According to him, “I start up the NGO in 2012 looking at the Nigerian economy, a situation that the less privilege or masses are willing tostartup businesses but don’t know how to go about it nor do they have money to set it up a business. So this foundation is out to help the less privilege out of the abject poverty they found themselves.

“We are hoping to give the students starter packs at the end of the day. To this effect, we have written letters to most of ministries directly concerned. Talk about Commissioner of Rural Development, Poverty alleviation, Youths and Sport, Economic planning and Social Development and Women Affairs. And they are assuring us of providing the starter pack for the youths to start up their business.

“We are also partnering with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to provide a hall and also sponsor about 50 students in our nextprogramme. Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCON) too has also shown interest of partnering with us. In fact, we want to operate in the 23 Local government of the state, which we want the Government to support in achieving this,” Shittu stated.