LEADERSHIP In Partnership With Nasarawa Upskills 100 Nigerians

LEADERSHIP Group Limited, the publishers of Nigeria’s most influential newspaper, LEADERSHIP, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at lifting two million Nigerians out of poverty.

The programme was designed to empower citizens by providing essential skills and resources to help them improve their livelihoods.

The maiden ceremony of the project, titled: “Lifting Two Million Nigerians Out of Poverty,” was held yesterday in Abuja where 100 trainees benefited from the groundbreaking initiative.

In his address, the senior vice chairman and editor-in-chief of LEADERSHIP, Azu Ishiekwene, reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to addressing poverty in Nigeria through this initiative with support from Nasarawa State government.

“We are here to demonstrate our vision for a better, more prosperous society in collaboration with the Nasarawa State government,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for his prompt support, which enabled 100 beneficiaries to participate in the programme’s inaugural training.

The initiative focuses on several key areas, including skill acquisition and development, supporting government interventions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), implementing poverty alleviation programmes, and establishing early warning systems in political communication.

Referring to the 5.3 percent unemployment rate reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ishiekwene stressed that the figure represents the harsh realities of millions of Nigerians struggling with unemployment and limited access to basic needs.

“This is the lived experience of families and communities across Nigeria who are unable to afford essential necessities,” he added.

He said the training programme is designed to equip participants with practical skills in areas such as adire and batik making, leatherwork, animal feed production, ICT business development, and modern honey production, among others.

These skills will help participants face life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

“This is just the beginning. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the state government to ensure the success of this journey,” he said,  welcoming the beneficiaries and noting LEADERSHIP’s dedication to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.

Meanwhile, representing  Nasarawa State governor Abdullahi Sule, director-general and focal person of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Balarabe, expressed the government’s commitment to partnering with LEADERSHIP to achieve the goals of the initiative.

She urged the trainees to fully engage with the material and skills being taught, emphasizing that their success would not only benefit them individually but also their families and communities. “You must achieve the expected outcomes of this training,” she said, highlighting the potential ripple effects that their newfound skills could have on the nation’s development.

On his part, the lead consultant at Jedan Business Development Services Limited, Gem Suleh, emphasised that the empowerment programme initiated by LEADERSHIP is a comprehensive concept aimed at tackling unemployment and poverty in Nigeria, with a focus on youth and women.

He pointed out that entrepreneurship training serves as the foundation for all participants, equipping them with the skills necessary for sustaining their businesses.

According to Sule, many individuals often start businesses without the proper discipline, business records, or research, leading to unsustainability.

“Entrepreneurship is something I’ve done for over 20 years,” he said. “It’s exciting to lay the foundation because all vocations and skills need entrepreneurship training as the software that will enable them to manage and sustain their businesses long term.”

Speaking on the Nigerian unemployment rate, Sule acknowledged the significance of this initiative, particularly for the youth, who make up 60% of the country’s population.

He praised the efforts of LEADERSHIP Group and urged state governors to support and replicate such empowerment programmes, referencing the success of the Human Capital Development Agency established by the Nasarawa State Government.