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Osikoya canvasses for culture of work, where youths earn their living with skills

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Coordinator of the National Sewing Championship 2024, Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya has canvassed for a culture of work in Nigeria, where youths can earn money through their skills, reducing reliance on certificates alone.
The initiative has already shown success, with 10 young people from last year’s competition now running their own businesses.

Osikoya who is a former commissioner for Education in Kpgi State envisions a future where Nigeria can participate in global vocational skills competitions, showcasing the country’s talents and promoting small-scale industries.
She urged governments at all levels to key into the initiatives to engage more youths with functional skills to tame insecurity and provide them with job opportunities.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the venue of the championship, Osikoya indicated that the championship is to identify and nurture talents in various vocational skills, especially tailoring, electrical work, and road maintenance.
The competition, organized by the Ladi Memorial Foundation, is part of the Skillup Nigeria project which seeks to equip young people with skills in tailoring.
She lauded the support of organizations like UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the FCT administration, which have subsidized the costs for contestants.
“The ultimate goal is to create a reward system that identifies and celebrates unique potentials, providing incentives for youths to develop their skills and become self-sufficient.
“By doing so, the initiative aims to reduce crime, incentivize entrepreneurship, and promote a culture of work in Nigeria.
“The National Sewing Championship 2024 (NSC24) held state and FCT qualifying competitions on August 21, 2024, with 1,400 contestants aged 12-22.
“The championship aims to identify and promote vocational talents, encourage students to develop vocational skills, and support technical and vocational education.
“With the support of 26 states, FCT, and federal partners, the championship seeks to promote quality education and self-reliance.
“The top 54 contestants will compete in the finals and upskilling sewing boot camp in September. Prizes will be awarded, and stakeholders are solicited to provide funding support to make the championship accessible to all and promote vocational skills development.”
Director of National Business and Technical Education Support Abuja office, Ruth Gyeyok Popoola said
the competition has two sections: a written test and a practical session. The written test shed said assesses the candidates’ basic knowledge of sewing techniques, while the practical session evaluates their ability to apply the skills in a real-world setting.
“The competition is open to students in junior and senior secondary schools, as well as those who are out of school. The winners will receive starter packs, including sewing machines and threads, and will have the opportunity to participate in a boot camp where they will undergo further training and certification.
Popoola emphasized the importance of skills acquisition in Nigeria, particularly in the face of high unemployment rates, as she called on the government to support initiatives like the Skillup Nigeria project, which aims to equip young people with skills that can make them self-sufficient and employable.
She said the competition will produce three winners who will receive certification and be recognized as skilled tailors.
According to her, the certification is recognized globally and can be presented at embassies when applying for visas.

Empowerment

Peter Obi Empowers 25 youths with N75m, Urges them to Embrace Hard Work, Integrity

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The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections Peter Obi has admonished youths to imbibe the spirit of hardwork, discipline and integrity as sure parth to success.

Obi who is also a former Governor of Anambra State spoke recently when he held an inspiring interactive session with youths in Onitsha, Anambra State, at the invitation of the Faithspiration Initiative.
His empowering message centered on the importance of hard work, discipline, and integrity.
Obi reminded the youths that success in life is not determined by one’s background but by an unwavering commitment to doing the right things and working tirelessly towards achieving goals.
He shared his personal journey, explaining that although he was born and raised in Onitsha, success did not come easy.
He underscored that like many of them, he too faced challenges but was able to overcome them through hard work and discipline.
“There is no shortcut to success,” Obi stated. “It is not where you come from, but how determined you are to do the right things and work hard that truly counts.”
To further support the youths, Obi provided N300,000 each to 25 individuals to help them further their productive ventures, and pledged to continue empowering two more youths every month, starting in January.

In closing, Obi reiterated his belief in the potential of Nigerian youth to drive change. “A New Nigeria remains POssible,” he affirmed.

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Empowerment

Again, Obi doles out N60m to educational institutions in Anambra

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***Canvasses for health, education as keys to poverty eradication

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General elections Peter Obi, has again donated N60 million to two educational institutions in Anambra State.
The effort is to strengthen health and education sectors he considers essential for lifting people out of poverty.
During a visit on Monday, Obi presented N50 million to Peter University in Achina and later donated N10 million to the College of Nursing Sciences in Adazi Nnukwu.
Just on Thursday last week Obi had donated N60m to support local institutions; N50m to the University on the Niger (UNINIGER) in Umunya, the university’s Iyi-Enu campus, to aid its expansion and infrastructure goals.
He also visited the School of Nursing at Iyienu Mission Hospital in Ogidi, where he contributed an additional N10 million to support healthcare training.
Writing on his X-handle on Monday, Obi expressed that the contributions align with his longstanding commitment to fostering a productive Nigeria. “Health and education are the cornerstones of development,” Obi remarked.
“A nation cannot progress without a healthy and educated workforce.” He highlighted the importance of prioritizing the future of Nigeria’s youth, given the country’s predominantly young population.

The donations are part of Obi’s broader vision of building a “New Nigeria” by investing in critical sectors that address poverty and improve citizens’ quality of life. He emphasized that such investments are crucial for creating a nation where citizens can contribute productively to economic growth and development.

Obi also extended gratitude to the proprietors, management, staff, and students of both institutions, commending their dedication to the fields of health and education.
His message of hope and commitment concluded with a reaffirmation of his belief that a “New and Productive Nigeria is Possible.”

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Empowerment

Reps member Launches ICT Hub in Ibadan to Promote Digital Literacy

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Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology, and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, has inaugurated a cutting-edge ICT Hub at Oba Abass Aleshinloye Secondary School in Eleyele, Ibadan. This development, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aims to boost digital literacy and broaden educational opportunities for students in the area.

The ICT Hub, equipped with modern computers, high-speed internet, and essential software, reflects Hon. Olajide’s vision of a tech-driven Nigeria. Tolu Mustapha, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, highlighted that the facility aligns with the Oyo State Government’s commitment to improving technological access and educational quality, especially within the Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency.

“This ICT Hub isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s a doorway to new possibilities,” Mustapha stated. “It’s designed to equip our youths with the skills they need to excel in a tech-centric future, fostering a self-sustaining and innovative socio-economic environment.”

The hub will primarily serve students at Oba Abass Aleshinloye Secondary School but is open to neighboring schools, encouraging a collaborative learning environment.
Workshops and training sessions are also planned to maximize the hub’s benefits for students and teachers alike.

By establishing the ICT Hub, Hon. Olajide fulfills a campaign promise and contributes to Nigeria’s journey toward a technology-driven economy. This project, he emphasized, is part of an effort to prepare Nigerian youth for success in a global digital landscape.

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