At least 5,000 Nigerian youths have participated in the skill acquisition programme organised by the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, to tackle unemployment.

The beneficiaries, selected across Nigeria, were empowered with different skills to promote self-reliance.

Akinmolayan Fesobi, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in Akure South Council area of Ondo, stated this on Sunday.

Mr Fesobi, who expressed satisfaction with Mr Olawande’s performance since his appointment, explained that the minister has rekindled hope in the youth’s ability to be self-employed and manage the country’s affairs.

He said the caucus recently conducted a nationwide assessment of the minister’s performance and marvelled at his effort to enhance youths’ capacity and development nationwide.

“Some of his notable achievements include launching the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ programme, enhancing employment among 500,000 youths nationwide.

“He has also fostered a partnership with private sector organisations, securing N10 billion in funding for youth development initiatives, and furthermore, we found that he advocated policies promoting youth inclusion and participation, resulting in a 30 per cent increase in youth representation in government,” Mr Fesobi said.

According to the APC leader, Mr Olawande has also helped establish 20 youth development centres across Nigeria, providing them with the needed training and resources to boost entrepreneurship culture.

Additionally, he revealed that the minister had also been collaborating with international organisations to create 100,000 job opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Mr Fesobi noted the minister has also initiated the National Youth Mentorship Scheme, pairing 50,000 youths with industry experts, to boost employment.

Meanwhile, the Akure South APC also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing his performance in office as superlative.