One hundred participants from 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State have completed a two-day LEADERSHIP training programme on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, which equipped them with essential skills to enhance their livelihoods.
This initiative is part of a larger project aimed at lifting two million Nigerians out of poverty. It was organised by the LEADERSHIP Group Limited, publishers of Nigeria’s influential newspaper LEADERSHIP, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government.
The training in Abuja focused on five key areas: leatherwork, ICT, business skills, tie and dye, modern honey production, and animal feed production.
The programme marked a significant achievement for the participants, who received certificates of completion and cash awards for the overall best students.
LEADERSHIP’s senior vice chairman and editor-in-chief, Azu Ishiekwene, praised the participants for their commitment and recognised the valuable contributions of trainers and supervisors in making the programme a success.
He also thanked Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for his support despite not being present at the ceremony.
“This training is just the beginning,” Ishiekwene remarked, as the encouraged participants to stay connected through WhatsApp groups for ongoing mentorship.
He underscored the programme’s vision of nurturing future millionaires and billionaires from among the participants.
Also, the vice chairman of the LEADERSHIP Group, Mike Opere, highlighted the initiative’s broader impact, noting that each participant is expected to train at least four more individuals upon returning to Nasarawa.
“With 100 of you here, that means 500 people will be lifted out of poverty,” Okpere said congratulating the participants and calling them programme ambassadors.
A facilitator, ICT consultant, and business consultant, Uyi Ebhuoma, expressed enthusiasm at the impact of the training, particularly in ICT.
“Many participants were beginners, but they quickly learned skills they never thought possible,” he said.
“Some even began developing side gigs and freelance careers during the class. The beauty of ICT is that it enables other businesses, providing multiple opportunities for participants to grow.”
Ebhuoma emphasised the importance of initiatives like this and expressed gratitude to the Nasarawa State Government for creating such a timely platform.
“This programme is crucial in helping young, business-minded individuals move their lives forward,” he added.
A beneficiary from Akwanga local government area, Abubakar Ruth, expressed her gratitude for the life-changing skills she gained in leatherwork.
“This LEADERSHIP training has given me a skill for life,” she said. “It will benefit me and my family, and I can pass it on to others.”
She also emphasised the need for additional support.
“Learning without the means to practice is a waste of time,” she said.
Maryam Abdulrahman, a businesswoman and a beneficiary from the Toto local government area, said the ICT training had transformed her business operations.
“Before, I had to travel from village to village to sell my goods, but now, with the ICT skills I’ve learned, I can manage my business from the comfort of my home,” she said.
She appreciated the LEADERSHIP Group and the Nasarawa State Government for this opportunity.
