KOGI NASRDA/GBB AND PAMKUM TAKE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA SKILLS ACQUISITION PROJECT SENSITIZATION TO KOGI CENTRAL
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his Renewed Hope Agenda, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace skills acquisition as a pathway to empowerment and self-reliance.
Speaking at the commissioning of the NASRDA Skills Acquisition Project—executed in collaboration with Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB), a Non-Governmental Organisation on May 1, 2025, in Abuja, the President encouraged youths to take full advantage of the programme for gainful employment.
Since its launch, the NASRDA/GBB initiative has embarked on a nationwide sensitization campaign, ensuring that no state is left behind.
In Kogi State, the Project Coordinator, Amb. Ibrahim Usman, noted that the uniqueness of the programme lies in the NGO-driven approach, which ensures that only genuinely interested participants are trained. He disclosed that beneficiaries would be empowered with starter packs at the end of their training.
Amb. Usman further revealed that Kogi has successfully established vocational centres in each senatorial district, with over 1,000 trainees per district set to benefit from the first batch of the programme.
The sensitization drive, embraced by Precious and Maureen Limited in collaboration with the Kogi Unity Movement, aims to train over 5,000 people in the state. During the visit to Okene in Kogi Central, more than 500 prospective beneficiaries gathered at the Artisan House to welcome the delegation from Lokoja.
All five local government coordinators attended alongside trainers and trainees, commending the federal government’s approach of entrusting NGOs with the coordination.
In his remarks, the President of PAM and Kogi State NASRDA/GBB Coordinator, Amb. Ibrahim Rufus Usman, said Kogi was chosen because of its hardworking and determined people.
“I am honoured to bring this project to the state, but my joy will be complete when I see our youths empowered and self-reliant. Ebira people are strong, not lazy. Seeing so many of you here today shows you are ready to improve yourselves,” he said.
He commended the leadership of NASRDA and the GBB Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Moses Igoche, for their commitment to ensuring over fifty million Nigerians benefit from the scheme.
The State Director of Training, Amos Lawal, explained that the programme offers over 85 skill areas, with training durations ranging from two months to one year depending on the chosen trade.
“This is not about sharing food or cash. It is a lifetime empowerment you can live on and pass to future generations,” he stressed, urging participants to take the opportunity seriously.
Zonal and local government coordinators also pledged to ensure successful implementation across all 21 LGAs.
Among the entourage was the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Print Media and NASRDA/GBB PAMKUM Media Relations Executive, Avoyi Nwogu. She emphasised the state government’s commitment to building a productive society by engaging youths positively.
“Governor Ododo is passionate about reducing crime and social vices. He will support this programme because when youths are engaged, communities are safer,” she noted.
The five local government coordinators were announced and offered with NASRDA/GBB/PAM certificate of commitment.
The sensitization team also visited the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira to inform the Director of Protocol, Musa Usman, of their mission. Although His Royal Majesty, Dr. Muhammed Ahmed Tijani Anaje, was unavoidably absent, the DG assured the team of the monarch’s full support for the programme.
