Idris Ojoko Foundation (IOF) to train 50,000 Youths in Nasarawa
….Book Launched to fight poverty
The Idris Ojoko Foundation, (IOF) a non-governmental organization in Nasarawa State, has announced plans to train 50,000 youths in various skills acquisition programs over the next year. This initiative aims to combat unemployment by equipping young people with diverse skills, thereby creating job opportunities and enhancing employability. The foundation also launched a book titled “Skills Acquisition and Employability” to support this effort, with the goal of creating 50,000 jobs
The foundation stated that its objective was to equip youths with skills for self-sufficiency and enable them to make a positive contribution to societal development.
The Founder, Comrade Idris Ojoko, made this statement at the launch of the Idris Ojoko Foundation in Akwanga on Thursday.
He also launched a book Titled: “Skills Acquisition and Employability: The Role of Technology in Self Employment and Manpower Productivity in Nigeria”.
Ojoko said that the foundation seeks to create opportunities for marginalised groups, support human capital development and contribute to sustainable socio-economic growth.
He said that the vision of the foundation is to build a self-reliant and empowered society through education, youth leadership, community development and sustainable socio-economic initiatives.
“The mission of this foundation is to empower individuals in the communities through education, leadership development and social impact initiatives.
“By fostering a society where every person has the opportunity to thrive, contribute and create lasting change,” he said.
“We have target, 50,000 youths that would be trained in different skills in the next one year in the state.
“Youths should embrace skills acquisition, especially when it relates to technology for self-reliance and to contribute their quota positively to national development,” he said.
Ojoko appreciated all dignitaries that attended the event and wished them safe journey to their various destinations.
Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, Chairman of the Occasion and National Assembly representative for Nassarawa South senatorial district, urged youths to shift their focus from certificate dependency to skills acquisition, thereby promoting self-reliance.
Mr Jibrin Sabo-Keana, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represented Onawo and stressed that the importance of skill acquisition cannot be overemphasized.
He declared that the book is apt while assuring of his support to Ojoko to succeed.
He praised Ojoko for his efforts and encouraged those who come and other Nigerians to support the foundation to succeed.
Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), and Guest Speaker, urged Nigerian youths and citizens to pursue various skills acquisition programmes for self-sufficiency.
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by Dr Vincent Paul, Senior Lecturer, Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, underscored the need for a collective commitment to empower youths with skill sets that will benefit them.
She lauded Ojoko for his efforts in empowering the youths and other people within the state.
While reviewing the 85-page book, Professor Usman Umar Shehu of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, commended Ojoko for the excellent work done.
He pointed out that the book was written in a concise language, while exhorting Nigerian youths and others to embrace skills and technological advancements.
The event was also attended by General Nuhu Angbazo (rtd), Dr Aliyu Bello, the Nasarawa State APC Chairman, represented by Mohammed Sarkin, the State APC Administrative Secretary, Dr. Mike Abdul, former Deputy Governor, Nasarawa State.
Other prominent personalities, including Mr. John Matthew, a Nasarawa State-based lawyer, among others, appreciated Ojoko’s initiative in setting up the foundation to empower youths and support other Nigerian programs.
They advised stakeholders and other Nigerians to invest in skills acquisition for the overall growth of the country.
