By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS) has collaborated with some Non-Governmental Organizations to train about 1500 youths on skills and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Ajayi Razaq, the Head of the Entrepreneurship Development Department (EDD) of the institute, stated this on Monday in Ilorin during a news conference organized to mark the World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) 2024.
He stated that the theme of the day is “Youth Skills for Peace and Development.”
According to him, the institute collaborated with organizations including Lifefount Foundation and Nonagon to facilitate skills training on digital skills, marketing, and small business promotion.
Razaq explained that the institute also trained youths on skills acquisition in areas including tailoring & garment designing, photography and cinematography, tie & dye, and carpentry & woodwork.
The HOD observed that the main objective of the commemoration of the day is to emphasize how crucial it is to equip the youth with the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace and nurturing responsible global citizens.
He added that, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, the institute has tailored its activities on skills acquisition to facilitate youths across the six geopolitical zones of the country, including people with special needs.
“The event, as declared at the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, has provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers, and development partners.
“This is to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Razaq stated that the institute has, since 2021, keyed into the WYSD event as an advocacy program, in line with other member nations, to celebrate this remarkable day by sensitizing stakeholders on the need to skill-up the youth.
He emphasized the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace, nurturing responsible global citizens, and promoting sustainable development to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.
“On World Youth Skills Day, let us unite in recognizing the potential of young people as agents of peace and commit to providing them with the skills and opportunities.
“This will help to address challenges and contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future,” he said.