By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
More than 3,000 youths in Nasarawa State have benefitted from a large-scale skill acquisition and empowerment programme organized by the Centre for Community Action for Peace and Development (CCAPAD), with support from the European Union and other partners.
The training, which took place in Lafia, the state capital, brought together participants from three local government areas—Lafia, Karu, and Keffi—and equipped them with practical skills in tailoring, cosmetology, hairdressing, computer literacy, and mobile phone repairs.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony for starter packs, CCAPAD Executive Director, Ahmed Salihu, urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, noting that skill development is key to curbing crime and fostering peace.
“When the mind is engaged positively, crime has no place,” Salihu said. “We are not just training for business, we are building peace and self-worth.”
The event drew praise from stakeholders, including representatives of the Lafia Emirate Council, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police, Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). They described the initiative as timely and called for its expansion to reach more communities.
Some beneficiaries—Alu Patrick, Ibrahim Ahmad, and Patience Azagayi—expressed appreciation to the organizers, promising to put their new skills and equipment to productive use.
Each participant also received a certificate of participation as a formal recognition of their training.