The Centre for Edo Delta Development Initiative (CEDDI), in partnership with the Heartbeat People Development Initiative (HPDI), has urged the Edo State government to introduce free skills acquisition programmes for youths to combat poverty and promote economic self-reliance.
Key Highlights
- CEDDI and HPDI want free skills acquisition programmes for Edo youths.
- The call came at a rally marking World Poverty Day at the NUJ Press Centre, Benin City.
- CEDDI says low awareness of existing training opportunities is a major challenge.
- The group plans to take its campaign to the seat of government in Edo.
- NUJ Edo Council commends the initiative and pledges to relay the message.
Executive Director of CEDDI in Edo State, Mr. Lawrence Omoregie, made the call during an awareness rally to mark the World Poverty Day at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Benin City.
The rally was held with the theme: “Safe homes for all, united for peace and human rights.”
Omoregie said access to vocational training would equip young people with practical skills to earn a living, become self-reliant, and contribute to the state’s economic development.
He identified limited public awareness of existing skills acquisition opportunities as a major challenge and called for increased government intervention and public enlightenment to ensure that more youths can access relevant training.
‘A Practical Way to Reduce Poverty’
“Skills acquisition is a practical way to reduce poverty. With proper vocational training, people can earn a living and provide for themselves.
“The government should make these opportunities free and accessible to young people,” he said.
The CEDDI director said the organisation has continued to advocate poverty reduction and youth empowerment in Edo State.
He urged the state government to prioritise vocational education as part of its development initiatives, disclosing that CEDDI plans to extend its awareness campaign to the seat of power in the state to seek further government support for its proposals.
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NUJ Commends Initiative
Receiving the participants on behalf of the state NUJ Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, the council’s Financial Secretary, Mr. Lucky Ighomuaye, commended CEDDI for its efforts in addressing poverty reduction and youth empowerment.
Ighomuaye said the delegation’s message would be conveyed to the council chairman, adding that collaboration between the union and development organisations can support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in the state.
He noted that increased awareness of skills acquisition opportunities, coupled with government’s support for accessible vocational training, would improve the economic prospects of young people in Edo State.
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