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FG Trains 175 Youths to Drive Growth in Renewable Energy, Agriculture, and Auto Sectors
A total of 175 young Nigerians from the North Central region and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have completed a three-week intensive training programme under the Skills to Wealth initiative at the North Central Training Center, Shere Hills, Jos.
The training, which focused on Renewable Energy, Agribusiness, and Automobile Technology, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It aimed to equip youth with practical, income-generating skills to drive economic empowerment and national development.
Participants were drawn from Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and the FCT. Of the total, 58 were trained in renewable energy, another 58 in automobile technology, and 59 in agribusiness.
At the closing ceremony held in Jos, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the programme as a key step in driving transformation and reducing poverty through skill acquisition.
“This is a proud milestone under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We are laying the foundation for a Nigeria where no youth is idle, and no skill is wasted,” Prof. Yilwatda said. “Those trained in renewable energy are not just technicians; they are hope-bearers lighting homes and hearts. Our agribusiness participants are planting dignity along with crops, and our automobile trainees are more than mechanics—they are patriots in overalls, problem-solvers who will keep Nigeria moving.”
The minister emphasized the need for participants to build business ecosystems across state boundaries, calling on graduates to collaborate, mentor others, and contribute to local economies. He announced future plans to expand the programme across all six geopolitical zones, with added focus on sectors beyond solar energy, agriculture, and mechanics—based on ongoing research identifying human capacity gaps.
In line with the federal government’s goals, Yilwatda noted that the programme would transition participants from mere training to enterprise development by facilitating access to loans through the Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture.
The event also featured testimonials from participants.
Abdulsalam Kainde Usaini, a renewable energy trainee from Kwara State, praised the programme as life-changing.
“This is a beautiful initiative. I can now install solar systems for homes and offices. With what we’ve learned, we’re ready to change our lives and boost the economy,” he said.
Victoria, an automobile technology trainee from Plateau State, added:
“I learned how to diagnose car faults using scanners and gained practical skills. I’m grateful to the Federal Government and hope the training continues for more youths.”
Mrs. Deborah Simon Pitmang, North Central Zonal Coordinator for the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, stated that although her office served only as the venue host, the training marked a major milestone in youth empowerment. She confirmed that all 175 participants received certificates and starter packs, including toolboxes relevant to their fields.
The Skills-to-Wealth initiative, launched by the Minister in Lagos earlier in May, is being rolled out across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. It seeks to move citizens from learning to earning, positioning skill development as a pathway out of poverty and a pillar for national security and economic stability.
As the graduates return to their various states, the Federal Government hopes their new skills will spark a ripple effect—generating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening small and medium enterprises across the country.
Nigerian table tennis prospect Matthew Kuti has set his sights on winning two gold medals for the country at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, as he intensifies preparations for the competition.
Kuti is targeting victory in both the men’s singles and mixed doubles events, expressing confidence in his preparation while acknowledging the technical demands of table tennis at the highest level.
“Thinking game is a very difficult game and it’s very scientific game. So I’m very, very happy that I participate in today’s game,” Kuti said.
The young Nigerian explained that his ambition is to represent the country successfully in Dakar, where he hopes to compete across multiple events and convert his preparations into gold medals.
“My challenge is to go there and take a gold for Nigeria, play many tournament and also there is mixed doubles in Dakar and singles. I want to win the two,” he said.
Kuti acknowledged that achieving the double target would require commitment and hard work, noting that he is currently in training as he works towards peak performance for the Games.
“So I will try my best. I will try what I can do because now I’m in training. So I will try my best,” he added.
The Youth Olympic Games will take place in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026, bringing together young athletes from across the world in a multi-sport competition.
For Kuti, the tournament represents an opportunity to test himself against international opposition and contribute to Nigeria’s medal ambitions. His focus on both singles and mixed doubles reflects his determination to make the most of the opportunities available to him in Dakar.
With preparations ongoing, the Nigerian youngster will be hoping that his training, tournament experience and determination can translate into strong performances when the competition begins.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has unanimously supported the proposed establishment of state police, following its consideration of the Constitution Amendment Bill transmitted by the National Assembly.
The speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, disclosed this on Tuesday during plenary, which lawmakers reconvened for after cutting their recess short to consider the proposed amendment.
Mr Obasa said the establishment of state police had remained a recurring issue from the fifth to the 10th assembly, with successive legislatures discussing ways to strengthen security and protect lives and property.
He described the development as a step forward but expressed concern that some issues raised by state legislatures had not been adequately addressed.
“I am pleased that the issue of state police has received attention, but there are concerns that must be addressed to ensure that the arrangement works effectively,” Mr Obasa said.
The bill, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeks to provide for the establishment of the State Police Service and related matters.
The speaker said further developments in the amendment process should give states greater control over policing arrangements but stressed the need to clearly define the relationship between federal and state police, particularly regarding powers, control and responsibilities.
“The functions and responsibilities of state police should be clearly defined, with appropriate provisions made for state legislatures,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for commitment to democracy and democratic institutions, as well as the Senate and House of Representatives for advancing the proposal.
Mr Obasa further called for a clear constitutional provision for parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and preserve their independence.
He cited past incidents in which state legislative buildings were allegedly demolished or locked up at the instance of governors, describing such developments as threats to legislative autonomy.
“There should also be provisions for parliamentary police, as we have in the United States Congress and at Westminster in the United Kingdom, to protect democracy and safeguard state legislatures.
“We must learn from past incidents in which a governor could order demolition of a legislative building or have a state legislature locked up simply to serve personal interests.
“To prevent such incidents from happening again and protect our nascent democracy, we must safeguard our existing state legislatures. Establishing parliamentary police will help protect legislative institutions and ensure that independence of the legislature is not undermined,” he said.
The speaker expressed confidence that outstanding concerns would be addressed as the constitutional amendment process progressed.
The House subsequently adjourned plenary until November 9, 2026.
The Lagos assembly‘s position comes as the push for state police has crossed its most critical constitutional hurdle.
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, had on Friday announced that 24 State Houses of Assembly had approved the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
According to him, the approval meets the two-thirds threshold—24 of 36 states—required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution for alteration.
The Working Group chairman commended the state assemblies and the National Assembly for passing the amendment in both chambers.
The 24 states are Adamawa, Delta, Edo, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Zamfara, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Ekiti, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Abia, Yobe, and Kaduna.
With Lagos’ unanimous vote on Tuesday, the figure has now risen to 25, leaving 11 states yet to formally communicate their positions.
The National Assembly transmitted the bill to the states on September 16 with a 30-day administrative window.
(NAN)
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