FG flags-off skills acquisition training

The Federal Government has flagged-off its skills acquisition training programme commencing with the inspection of facilities at the Lagos state training Centre, by Dr. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment.

Under the next two months the federal government would have commissioned the programme in a total of 18 states comprising of three states in each geo-political zone, with Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as strategic pivots for the first phase.

The Minister announced this when he led a team from his Ministry and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) on a facility tour of the Lagos Centre.

He said the Federal Government was worried over the rate of unemployment in the country and was already tackling it from different fronts.

Ngige pointed out that job creation is one of the cardinal programmes of the present administration, hence, it would be undaunted by severe challenges occasioned by the economic recession in rescuing millions from unemployment.

“Our decision to make blue collar jobs prominent in our multi-pronged job creation activities is informed by the limiting opportunities of white collar job against the elastic potentials offered by blue collar skills. The Federal Government will in the next two months flag off skills acquisition training in eighteen states (three in each geo-political zone) with Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory as strategic pivots for the first phase. We are therefore here to inspect facilities for effective take-off.”

Ngige explained that 50, 000 youths would be captured in the first phase of the training adding that coaching consumables and other logistics for a smooth and successful session would be provided by the government.

At the Centre, the minister inspected he auto-mechanic and electrical sections, carpentry and joinery, building construction unit, welding and metal fabrication unit, all equipped with modern machines.

However, the Principal of the Centre, Mr. C Ojelade, regretted that the equipment has been idle as result of the poor power supply.

Also, the minister paid a visit to the office of the National Directorate of Employment, in Lagos, where he addressed the workers on the need to support the efforts of the Federal Government at job creation by rededicating themselves to duties.

He urged them to be ready for deployment even to the rural areas where the N-Power programme is already being implemented in Agriculture and Mining to contribute to the successful diversification of the economy.

The Minister also visited Government Technical College, Ikeja as well as Samsung Engineering Academy also in the same premises where trainees are taken through the repair of electronics such as fridges, air-conditioning sets, GSM telephones among others.

He commended them and pledged the readiness of the Federal Government to partner reputable private organizations in skills acquisition and training programmes.