By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
In a major push to tackle youth unemployment and promote peaceful community development, the Centre for Community Action for Peace and Development (CCAPAD), with support from the European Union and other partners, has trained 3,000 young people across Nasarawa State in various vocational skills.
The training, which took place in Lafia—the state capital—benefited youths drawn from Lafia, Karu, and Keffi Local Government Areas. Participants received hands-on training in cosmetology, tailoring, hairdressing, computer operations, and GSM phone repairs.
At the closing ceremony, CCAPAD Executive Director, Ahmed Salihu, handed over starter packs to the beneficiaries and urged them to apply their new skills to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to peaceful coexistence in their communities.
“An engaged mind is a mind free from crime,” Salihu said. “This empowerment is not just about skills—it’s about building a culture of peace and productivity. Use these tools wisely and become agents of change.”
The event drew commendations from key stakeholders, including representatives of the Lafia Emirate Council, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police, Jama’atul Nasril Islam, and the Christian Association of Nigeria. All praised the initiative and called for its expansion to other parts of the state.
Some of the beneficiaries—Alu Patrick, Ibrahim Ahmad, and Patience Azagayi—expressed gratitude to CCAPAD and its partners for the opportunity to gain meaningful skills. They pledged to put their training to good use and become self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Certificates of participation were also presented to the graduates, marking the successful completion of the empowerment programme.