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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 youngster Godwin Raphael Itotomi has taken a significant step in his football career after completing a move to French club Stade de Reims, where he will continue his development with the club’s youth setup.
Sports247 reports that the highly-rated centre-back, who captained Grassrunners FC of Ogun State, officially signed his contract with the French outfit and is expected to feature for Stade de Reims Révélations, the club’s reserve and youth development team competing in the Groupe Élite Championnat des Réserves Professionnelles.
The transfer marks another milestone for the promising defender, whose leadership qualities and commanding performances at the heart of Grassrunners FC’s defence earned him recognition and opened the door to European football.
Renowned for his composure on the ball, strong aerial presence, tactical awareness and ability to organise the backline, Itotomi now has the opportunity to further develop his game in one of Europe’s respected youth development environments.
The move is expected to expose him to a higher level of competition and professional coaching as he works towards breaking into senior football.
Speaking on the move, those close to the player believe the switch to France represents the perfect platform for the young defender to realise his enormous potential.
Joining Stade de Reims provides him with access to world-class training facilities and a structured development pathway that has produced several top talents over the years.
For Grassrunners FC and Ogun State football, the transfer is another testament to the quality of young players being nurtured at the grassroots level. It also reinforces the growing reputation of Nigerian academies in producing talented footballers capable of earning opportunities with European clubs.
As he begins life in Reims, located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, Itotomi will be aiming to adapt quickly to his new environment, impress the coaching staff and establish himself as a key figure in the club’s youth ranks.
The move is expected to serve as an important stepping stone in his career, with the long-term ambition of progressing into Stade de Reims’ first team and eventually making his mark at the highest level of European football.
For Nigerian football enthusiasts, Godwin Raphael Itotomi’s transfer is another encouraging success story, highlighting the increasing pathway from grassroots football to elite European clubs.
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