Pulse.ng : NOA empowers 24 adolescent boys, girls with skills, digital literacy in Kaduna

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology, has empowered 24 adolescent boys and girls with skills and digital literacy in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were empowered through a training programme supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

At the graduation on Thursday in Kaduna, the Director of NOA, Kaduna State Directorate, Mr Danjuma Makama, said the initiative was a significant step towards equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and digital skills to excel in the modern world.

Makama said that the programme reflected a strong commitment to empowering the next generation to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital-driven society.

He urged the participants to make the best use of the opportunity by continuing to learn, grow, and use their newly acquired skills to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

The NOA director appreciated UNICEF, the state Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology, facilitators, parents, partners, and other stakeholders for their contributions in making the training a success.

He called for collective efforts towards empowering young minds, adding that such collaboration would help shape a better and more productive future for the nation.

The Councillor of Kawo Ward, Sani Yakubu, commended the organisers for their commitment to youth empowerment through skills acquisition and digital literacy training.

He said the initiative would go a long way in reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among young people in the community.

Yakubu urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity by putting their newly acquired skills into productive ventures.

He assured them of the ward’s continued support for programmes that foster education, innovation, and economic growth among adolescents and youths.

The District Head of Kawo, Alhaji Jibrin Magaji, stressed the importance of hard work, urging the youths to take their skills seriously and begin with any income level, no matter how small.

Magaji encouraged the participants to explore online marketing opportunities to expand their reach and improve their earnings.

To the girls, he emphasised that education and vocational skills were essential, advising, “every girl must go to school and learn a trade to become self-reliant.”

Magaji said that having practical skills would enable them to support themselves, their families, and their relatives.

To the boys, he reminded them that as future heads of families, they must be financially responsible and use the skills acquired to provide for their households.

He advised political office holders to stop the practice of sharing money to constituents and instead focus on meaningful empowerment initiatives that promote self-reliance.

The district head thanked the organisers of the programme for their support and for bringing such an impactful initiative to his district.

The Principal of Dalet Girls’ Secondary School, Kawo, Zainab Zailani, appreciated the organisers for selecting her school as a training centre, adding that the programme had positively impacted the participants’ skills and confidence.

She encouraged the girls to remain focused, apply the knowledge gained, and continue learning to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

One of the graduands, Ibrahim Hamza, said it was his first time of benefitting from such a programme, describing the experience as inspiring and impactful in shaping his understanding of digital skills and entrepreneurship.

He thanked the school for providing the platform and opportunity to learn, as well as the organisers for their effort in empowering young people with relevant and practical knowledge.

Hamza promised to make good use of the skills acquired to improve himself and support others in his community, urging his peers to remain focused and determined for a better future.

NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduates who were drawn from Kawo district in Kaduna North LGA of the state.(NAN)