Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with European Union (EU) is to train 300 Borno youths and women in various skills acquisitions. According to UN agency, the skills were to enable trainees acquire “knowledge and competence” to achieve self-dependency and empowerment in Boko Haram affected communities. Addressing the trainees on Monday at the matriculation ceremony of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, the Head of UNDP; Mizuho Yokoi disclosed that the training programme is an investment in youths to start their lives. Her words: “I want you to be committed and determined in the various skills you’re to acquire for six months in this Polytechnic. “Always remind yourselves on how to overcome the challenges of running your businesses to become successful.” Yokoi added that the trainees have to work hard to become successful and also save to sustain their business outfits. “Each and every one of you is to be tested after these trainings,” she said, adding that a monitoring mechanism has already been put in place in communities. She further disclosed that 1,500 youths were trained in the Northeast, after rehabilitating three training centres in Borno state. The EU representative, Ringpon Gwamzhi also said that the training programme is to fight poverty in the post Boko Haram insurgency period. He said the empowerment of trainees will also help family members and communities affected by the 10-year insurgency. The Rector of Polytechnic, Dr. Modu Kyari said the trainees are acquiring 10 vocation skills to achieve self-dependency and empowerment. According to him, the vocational skills include hairdressing, barbing, bakery, tailoring and embroidery, knitting designs, GSM/computer, carpentry and furniture making, aluminum fabrication and welding. He said the trainees will be exposed to all necessary techniques for sustainability and economic growth of Northeast. He said the training comprises basic procedures, skills development techniques, sourcing and investment of starter packs to be distributed after the training programme.
