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.
