The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has announced that over 5,000 young people in Edo State are currently enrolled in its skill acquisition programme.
The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to equip Nigerians with practical vocational skills that foster self-reliance and economic growth.
Director-General of NDE, Mr. Silas Agara, made the disclosure during an inspection visit to the ongoing construction of a new skill acquisition centre in Ogbona, located in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
The centre, once completed, is expected to serve as a hub for vocational training in trades such as tailoring, carpentry, and other entrepreneurial disciplines.
“We are proud to be training 5,000 youths in Edo under our current programme,” Agara said.
“With 128 skill centres and 150 farm settlements across Nigeria, we are committed to empowering young people and women with the knowledge and tools they need to become self-employed.” he added.
Agara expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Ogbona facility, noting that major structural components were visibly advancing. He emphasized that the centre would offer more than 12 distinct skill sets and serve as a technical support base for future training initiatives.
“This project is a testament to the Federal Government’s dedication to youth empowerment through vocational education,” he added. “We are not just building infrastructure—we are building futures.”
The NDE’s skill acquisition programme is designed to address the growing demand for practical, hands-on training among Nigeria’s youth population. By focusing on trades and entrepreneurship, the initiative aims to reduce dependency on formal employment and stimulate grassroots economic development.
The Ogbona centre is expected to become a model for similar projects across the country, reinforcing the government’s broader strategy to combat unemployment through sustainable skill-building.