By Aminu Amanawa, Sokoto.
The Sokoto Education Development Trust Fund (SEDTF) has commenced a two-day skills acquisition training programme for 46 male youths selected from the 23 local government areas of Sokoto State as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and promote self-reliance among young people.
The training programme covers four vocational areas: solar installation, phone repairs, POP installation, and POS business operations. It is designed to equip participants with practical skills that will enable them to earn sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the General Purpose Committee of the Fund, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto, represented by Muhammad Bello Nagwari, said the initiative was conceived to prepare youths for productive ventures in view of the limited opportunities in government employment.
He noted that vocational skills had become increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing world and urged the participants to embrace continuous learning in order to remain relevant and competitive.
Nagwari encouraged the trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the skills being imparted could serve as a pathway to self-employment, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Marafa charged the participants to remain committed throughout the training period and make effective use of the opportunity provided by the Fund.
He emphasized that skills acquisition remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing poverty and unemployment, urging the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained for their personal development and the advancement of their communities.
Marafa further called on the trainees to become ambassadors of positive change by utilizing the skills acquired to create value and inspire others.
Some of the participants expressed appreciation to the Sokoto Education Development Trust Fund for organizing the programme, assuring the organizers that they would make the best use of the training and the opportunities it offers.
The two-day programme is expected to provide participants with hands-on experience and practical knowledge necessary for establishing small businesses and improving their economic prospects.