By Queen Kunde
In a move to combat unemployment and foster economic self-reliance, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat has rolled out a free one-week vocational and entrepreneurship training program during this holiday season.
Spearheaded by the Department of Mass Education and supported by The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), the initiative is equipping women, youth, and other residents with practical skills in household product creation such as soap, bleach, disinfectant, air fresheners, and snacks alongside vital entrepreneurial training in bookkeeping, branding, financial management, and social media marketing.
At the official launch, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary for Education, emphasized the importance of skills acquisition in line with the Wike-led FCT Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This is about being self-reliant, empowered, and resourceful,” Hayyo said. “Through initiatives like this, we are laying the foundation for poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods.”
Director of the Department of Mass Education, Dr. Favour Edem-Nse, inspired participants with a call to transformation, aligning the training with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our goal is not just to train, but to transform,” she said. “We are guiding individuals toward becoming entrepreneurs who uplift others as they grow.”
The training also includes post-program mentorship, ensuring long-term support for participants. As sessions kick off across the FCT, excitement is palpable among attendees.
“This is more than just learning how to make soap,” one trainee shared. “It’s about finding hope and a future we can build with our own hands.”
With development partners, educators, and hopeful citizens in attendance, the initiative stands as a powerful example of how government-community collaboration can drive real change.