Politics
THE Federal Government says its Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme is designed to equip participants with employable skills, promote entrepreneurship and accelerate poverty reduction nationwide.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, disclosed this during Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme on Wednesday in Agege, Lagos.
The minister was represented at the event by his Senior Technical Adviser on Information Systems and Data Analysis, Dr Abimbola Fasanu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is being implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) under the supervision of the ministry.
NAN recalls that Doro officially inaugurated the initiative on July 13, with 18,510 Nigerians expected to benefit from the nationwide programme.
The minister described the scheme as a major milestone in addressing poverty through sustainable economic empowerment and long-term livelihood development.
According to him, the programme is being implemented simultaneously across the country as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods.
“The programme will expand economic opportunities and lift Nigerians out of poverty through skills development, enterprise support and inclusive social protection.
“Participants have begun intensive practical training designed to equip them with employable skills, promote entrepreneurship and accelerate Nigeria’s poverty reduction efforts,” Doro said.
He said the initiative marked a significant shift from short-term poverty interventions to practical skills development capable of delivering lasting economic benefits.
Doro added that the training would equip beneficiaries to earn sustainable incomes, build resilient livelihoods and become economically self-reliant.
The Programme Coordinator and Centre Head, Mrs Kemilat Opasaye, said the initiative reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the programme was empowering vulnerable Nigerians with practical skills needed to achieve economic independence and improve their quality of life.
According to Opasaye, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader vision of moving vulnerable citizens from dependence to self-reliance through sustainable empowerment programmes.
She noted that the scheme also complements the ministry’s One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), which integrates humanitarian assistance, skills development and economic inclusion.
Opasaye explained that participants were receiving hands-on training in tailoring, welding, carpentry, catering, baking, agro-processing, bead making, jewellery production and other income-generating trades.
“At the completion of the two-week programme, beneficiaries will receive trade-specific starter packs to help them establish their own businesses.
“The programme is designed not only to provide vocational skills but also to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce unemployment and empower participants to become employers of labour,” she said.
She added that the initiative was intended to provide practical skills that would improve lives and create sustainable sources of income for participants.
Facilitators at the training centre commended the programme, describing it as a practical intervention that equips beneficiaries with marketable skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.
They noted that the training combines classroom instruction with intensive practical sessions to prepare participants for self-employment and business ownership.
Participants also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for providing opportunities to acquire vocational skills and improve their economic prospects.
Miss Uche Obinna, a participant in the baking class, said the practical lessons had boosted her confidence and prepared her to start a business.
Mrs Adebisi Muhammed, a graduate undergoing tailoring training, described the programme as a pathway to financial independence and entrepreneurship. (NAN)
F.O
Tags: Renewd hope Skills