ATEI Niger and ABYLS organises skills acquisition programme for youths in Niger State
The Arewa Transformation & Empowerment Initiative (ATEI), a Northern Base Non Governmental Organization structured in the 19 Northern States and Aisha Babangida Youth Leadership Series (ABYLS), a platform set up to mentor and support Nigerian Youths in their chosen fields and to bring a solution to the fight against hopelessness and develop the ideals of good citizenship among the youth of Nigeria has trained 2000 youths and women in various intensive skills in Niger State as part of efforts to make them employable and self reliant.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony and empowerment of the 1st batch of 500 out of 2000 trained participants in Tailoring, Catering, Shoe Making and Generator Repairs etc. at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna Yesterday, the Coordinator of ATEI Niger and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Niger State on Youth Entrepreneurship Development, Shehu Bawa Bwari, The Niger State Branch of the Arewa Transformation and Empowerment Initiative has over time become a household name in Niger State; this did not happen overnight. It came about as a result of various skill acquisition programmes it has been unfolding through the Arewa Youth Empowerment Program (AYEP), a youth empowerment programme designed to build the capacity of the teeming youths in Northern Nigeria.
Bwari explained that the skill acquisition programme was designed to build up the youths and women in various entrepreneurial capacities which would ultimately translate to financial and economic independence in Niger State. In his words “Skill Acquisition plays a pivotal role towards reducing youth restiveness in our society and gone are the days that a society that wished well for its self rely upon the government to provide 100% employment opportunity for its citizens, the government cannot but if the citizens are well equipped with different skills, the government can always provide enabling environment for the acquired skills” he expressed.
According to the Chairperson ABYLS, Hajiya Aisha Babangida, the initiative will prepare the participants to engage in mobilizing their peers, families and communities towards positive social transformation. it is time to raise a new generation of public leaders by bringing together young Nigerians who have different perspectives, background and beliefs. “I have a vision, a vision of a prosperous Nigeria where the youths will be exposed to be great, above all humble. So today is here to change your path to greatness” she noted.
In his remarks, the PDP Gubernatorial flag bearer in Niger State, Alhaji Umar Nasko who represented the Chief Servant of Niger State, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the organizers of such a viable venture for the benefit of the masses and promised that the state government would continue to support organizations and individuals who have placed youth and women empowerment as a topmost priority.
Nasko, while calling on the beneficiaries advised them to utilize the opportunity giving to them and remain law abiding citizens; he reiterated his commitment to engage in giant strides to reduce poverty in Niger State if given the mandate by Nigerlites at the forth coming gubernatorial elections slated in April, 2015.