The Federal Government has graduated 700 beneficiaries from a vocational empowerment programme in Oyo State, providing certificates and start-up kits to support self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The Federal Government has graduated 700 beneficiaries from a 10-day vocational training and empowerment programme in Oyo State, providing certificates and start-up kits to support self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The programme, organised under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), concluded on Friday in Ibadan as part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to address unemployment, reduce poverty and equip young Nigerians with market-relevant skills.
Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, disclosed this at the graduation ceremony on October 9, 2026.
She said the initiative reflected Tinubu’s commitment to narrowing Nigeria’s skills gap and preparing young people to participate more effectively in the changing economy.
According to Arogundade, the programme aims to improve employability, encourage entrepreneurship and help beneficiaries build sustainable sources of income.
Arogundade said the 700 beneficiaries were trained across four categories, comprising:
30 participants in artificial intelligence (AI) and graphics, 85 participants in makeup artistry, 85 participants in fashion design, 500 participants in digital economy-related skills.
She said the initiative was particularly significant to her because of her connection to Aremo in Ibadan, adding that it also aligned with the President’s vision of equipping Nigerians with practical skills and the tools needed to achieve economic independence.
“This project is very dear to my heart because I come from Aremo, Ibadan,” she said.
Arogundade urged stakeholders to support programmes that equip young people with relevant skills and create pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
At the end of the training, all beneficiaries received certificates and start-up kits intended to help them put their newly acquired skills into practice and transition into self-employment.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District and is the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, said the programme could contribute to poverty reduction in the state and beyond.
Alli said the Tinubu administration had introduced measures to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal, describing the empowerment initiative as part of wider efforts to tackle poverty and unemployment.
Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, also commended Arogundade for facilitating the programme.
He urged beneficiaries to take proper care of the equipment provided and use it productively to develop their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Shola Ladoja, equally praised the Federal Government and Arogundade, expressing optimism that the programme would help reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
The ceremony attracted youths, representatives of non-governmental organisations, politicians, traditional rulers, entrepreneurs and academics.
The Oyo programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader NPRGS initiative, which seeks to promote economic participation and reduce poverty through skills development, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The government has said the programme will be extended to other parts of the country to widen access to practical training and business support.
By combining vocational instruction with start-up equipment, the initiative is intended to help beneficiaries move beyond training and begin applying their skills in income-generating activities.
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