BY RITA OYIBOKA/BLESSING NKWOR
THE Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), Delta State Chapter, has flagged off a N10 million Real-Time Skills Empowerment Scheme aimed at training 500 youths across the state.
The flag off, which was held yesterday at the State Secretariat in Asaba, with the theme, “The Role of Delta Youth in Defense of the Southern Region”, coincided with the inauguration of the State Executive Council, Local Government representatives, Secretaries, and Directors of Media.
Speaking at the occasion, the SNYC Chairman, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Wiska Monday said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical, marketable skills to reduce unemployment in the state.
“We have decided to hit the ground running by flagging off the SNYC Real-Time Skill Empowerment Scheme for 500 youths. The era of gathering young people in halls to listen to motivational speakers for weeks without tangible impact is over. It is time for quick, practical impact,” he said.
The programme, he explained, is in partnership with the Delta State Technical and Vocational Education Board and will run for six months of intensive training, followed by another six months of industrial attachment.
Beneficiaries will be trained in trades such as fashion and design, hairdressing, make-up, barbering, electrical installation, catering, welding, event management, decoration, building, tiling, interlocking, and plumbing, among others.
“We will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Delta State Technical and Vocational Education Board to ensure full implementation of this project. This is one of our strategies to tackle unemployment, empower our youths, and drive grassroots development,” Comrade Monday said.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. ThankGod Trakiriowei, pledged government support for the project. “I want to assure you that the Ministry of Youth is with you, especially in this empowerment programme. Training 500 youths for six months is no small feat. We will partner with you and share in the responsibility of providing support, including accommodation and logistics for participants,” he said.
In their separate remarks, the National President-General of SNYC, Comrade Emordi Ugochukwu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Talent Development, Ambassador Ogheneyole Ogaga, commended the Delta State chapter for its bold step in empowering young people. They urged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and become role models for others.
A highlight of the event included the conferring of special honors on individuals distinguished in youth empowerment, including the Youth commissioner, who was decorated as patron.
