By Idongesit Ashameri / Uyo
The present leadership of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State has so far trained 150 unemployed youths through various skill acquisition programmes aimed at equipping them to be self-reliant.
The council boss, Mr. Ufot Udoinyang, disclosed this in an interview with Daily Independent in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He said the skill acquired through the programmes will effectively position the youths to be gainfully engaged and even create employment for others.
The youths, according to the council boss, were trained on different vocational skills such as Mechanic, Welding, Plumber, Catering, Electrical Installation, Bead making, Fashion designing, Hat making among others.
“I organized a training programme with a company called Joas Africa in partnership with the council to train 150 unemployed youths on various trades to be self-reliant,’’ he said.
He, however, said that out of the 150 unemployed youths trained, 80 were given employment packs while the rest are yet to receive their packs.
“We could not empower all of them with starter pack to start business of their own but we intend to give them in the next phase of empowerment programme,’’ he assured.
According to him, the intention is to develop their professional skills to enable them get good jobs or go into self-employment in their areas of competence.
Udo-inyang said the council has engaged youths in meaningful activities through state school sports in the area.
Some youths, as explained by the council boss were also trained on Safety by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and certificates were issued to the beneficiaries at the end of the programme.