The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has lauded Governor Francis Nwifuru and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their joint effort in launching a comprehensive skills and employment programme targeting over 600 youths across Ebonyi State.
In an interview with journalists on Friday, NYCN State Chairman, Ochishi, disclosed that an expanded meeting with youth leaders took place yesterday in Abakaliki.
At the meeting, according to him, the State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, detailed that the programme aims to equip young people with essential skills while simultaneously providing sustainable employment opportunities.
Ochishi explained that successful participants would be placed in workplaces near their residences and would receive a monthly stipend of N150,000 throughout the one-year training period.
He emphasized that the initiative is designed to empower youths, enhance their employability, and create pathways for outstanding participants to access job opportunities both locally and internationally.
The NYCN boss assured that the council, in collaboration with other youth leaders across the state, would facilitate prompt registration and dissemination of application forms, noting that the programme will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Describing the initiative as a “significant breakthrough” for young people in Ebonyi, Ochishi said: "This programme represents a strategic intervention aimed at reducing unemployment while building the capacities of our youths. We commend the state government and UNDP for prioritising youth development."
He further revealed that other youth organisations including the Mgboejiogu Youth Assembly, Ohanivo Youth Forum, Ikwo Nnodo Youth Forum, and YOWICAN expressed strong support for the inclusive approach of the programme, highlighting its potential to provide a lifeline for unemployed graduates and foster sustained engagement in education and skills acquisition.
