Edo’s Initiates on Green Skills for Youth

The Edo State Government has initiated a project to tap into renewable energy sources. This initiative, in collaboration with experts and institutions, aims to equip the youth with skills in solar energy, wind power, and other sustainable technologies. The goal is not only to prepare them for future job markets but also to equip them with tools to foster cleaner air and a healthier environment.

This was disclosed by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at a recently concluded boot camp. The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, with support from GIZ, Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE), EdoJobs, and Romanpage Global Services. The boot camp was held to mark the International Youth Day in Benin City.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, emphasized the state’s commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of vital ecosystems for future generations.

He stated, “The theme for this year’s International Youth Day, ‘Green Skills for Youth’, resonates deeply with our commitment to empowering our youth with the knowledge, skills and tools to shape a more sustainable future.

“It is inspiring to see our young people stepping up, eager to learn, innovate and lead the change towards a greener tomorrow. In Edo State, we have taken significant strides towards promoting green creative skills and sustainable development.

“We understand that our youth are not just the beneficiaries of tomorrow, you are the architects of change today. Through targeted initiatives, partnerships and collaborative efforts, we have made considerable progress in green entrepreneurship hubs, urban green spaces, waste management innovations, biodiversity conservation and community engagement.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Eire Ifueko Alufuhai Esq., revealed that the boot camp was designed to provide a dynamic platform for young people. The aim was to engage them in meaningful dialogues, workshops, and interactive sessions centered on green skills, creative business awareness, and sustainable progress.

“Our aspiration is to ignite and instill enthusiasm within the young participants, encouraging them to play an active role in shaping a more ecologically balanced and prosperous future not only for Edo State but for the entirety of Nigeria,” Alufuhai said.

“The Edo State government through the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs is committed to creating safe platforms where young people’s voices can be heard to harness and nurture their talents, creativity and potential.

“As such, I would like to announce that in partnership with the Edo Skills Development Agency and the GIZ, we will be organizing a four-month training programme for participants to have the opportunity of building their knowledge and competence in the creative sector.

“I want to recognize partners who have actively stood with the government in mitigating the challenge of youth empowerment. Your contribution to the empowerment of young people is commendable and I look forward to our continued fruitful support,” she said.

In a goodwill message, Ayotunde Razaq Jr, GIZ Communication Advisor, lauded the Edo State government for the commendable initiative, which is increasingly becoming a standard in the state.

“In the year 2022, the ministry marked the International Youth Day with a boot camp and this year we gather to celebrate another International Youth Day 2023. This year followed the same pattern and with closer collaboration and support by Edo State Skills Development Agency and the German Government through GIZ in delivering training for green and creative skills during the boot camp,” Razaq said.

“The theme of this year’s International Youth Day is timely and touches the very heart of what we are jointly trying to achieve in our effort to provide quality and lifelong learning opportunities for the youths of Edo State.

“At SKYE, we work with our partner, the Edo State government, to achieve this through a multi-level integrated approach to employment promotion, that looks at policy recommendation through the public private dialogue platform.

“To give an example, last year during the International Youth Day week, GIZ SEDEC cluster together with the Ministry of Youths and all relevant stakeholders started the process of domesticating the national youth policy action plan for Edo State and today we are on the path of integrating this action plan into a holistic employment strategy for Edo State,” he said.

At the conclusion of the three-day boot camp, the participants were awarded certificates of participation by the Director of Youth, Mr. Asiriuwa Victor, representing the organizers. The participants expressed their gratitude to the state government and GIZ for the opportunity to acquire numerous skills that will be beneficial to them.