Governor Sule’s SEEDS Empowers Nasarawa Youths with Vocational Skills for Economic Independence
By Roseline Okafor, Lafia
The Abdullahi Sule Economic Empowerment Development Scheme (SEEDS) has empowered hundreds of young people across Nasarawa State with practical vocational and digital skills aimed at promoting self-reliance, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
The two-day skills acquisition programme, which commenced on Wednesday at Riseingo Hotel along Wamba Road in Akwanga, was organised by the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with consultants and facilitators drawn from various professional fields.
Declaring the training open on behalf of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Kwanta Yakubu, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills that will enable them to become economically independent.
According to him, the SEEDS programme is designed to reduce unemployment by creating opportunities for youths to establish businesses and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
“The ministry is committed to taking youths off the streets by creating job opportunities through targeted skills acquisition programmes,” Kwanta stated.
He urged participants to make the most of the training by applying the knowledge acquired to grow successful businesses and become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
The commissioner further announced that beneficiaries would receive starter packs and other empowerment materials at the conclusion of the programme to enable them to establish or expand their businesses.
Speaking during the training, the facilitator and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Hi-Tech Media Ltd, Prince John Uzor, said the programme is aimed at promoting financial freedom, entrepreneurship and wealth creation among youths.
He encouraged participants to remain committed to personal development and master the vocational skills being taught, stressing that consistency and dedication are key to success.
Uzor noted that although his organisation has facilitated similar empowerment programmes across Nigeria, the Nasarawa edition stands out because of the active support and commitment demonstrated by the state government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
He called for the programme to be sustained in order to reach more young people across the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Stephen Iliya, alongside the Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Youth and Student Matters, Comrade Shuaibu Sani, commended participants for their discipline, maturity and enthusiasm throughout the exercise.
They urged the trainees to embrace hard work, remain focused and utilise the skills acquired to build successful careers and businesses.
The participants received hands-on training in several income-generating digital and vocational services, including:
JAMB and WAEC result printing
DSTV and GOtv subscription services
Electricity bill payment services
Bank account opening and debit card issuance
Flight and hotel reservations
Data subscription and airtime recharge services
The organisers noted that these practical skills are designed to create multiple streams of income for beneficiaries while promoting entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment among youths in Nasarawa State.
The SEEDS initiative is one of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s flagship youth empowerment programmes aimed at strengthening human capital development, boosting innovation and fostering inclusive economic growth across the state.
