The Federal Government has begun skills training for over 1,000 beneficiaries under Cohort 3 of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS-TVET) initiative in Kogi State.

The IDEAS-TVET programme is implemented by the federal ministry of rducation.

It is supported by the World Bank through accredited Training Service Providers across Nigeria to strengthen technical and vocational skills development.

The inauguration, held on Friday in Lokoja, featured service providers operating from 10 skills acquisition centres across the state.

Beneficiaries are receiving training in fashion design and garment making, solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance, catering and event management.

The National Project Coordinator of IDEAS-TVET, Blessing Ogwu, said the initiative aimed to equip Nigerians with industry-relevant vocational, technical and digital skills.

Mr Ogwu said the programme would reduce reliance on paper qualifications while building a workforce capable of contributing to economic transformation.

She spoke through the Communication Officer, Benue Project Implementation Unit, Dr Samalia Dogoyaro, at the inauguration.

Ms Ogwu said skills development remained a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for Nigerians.

She noted that the project had renovated and equipped workshops in technical colleges, strengthened TVET institutions and upskilled about 4,000 teachers and instructors.

“Beyond institutional interventions, the IDEAS-TVET Initiative has taken skills development directly to about 80,000 Nigerians through Training Service Providers across the country,” she said.

According to her, occupational areas covered include fashion design, information and communication technology, agriculture, hospitality and construction.

Others include electrical installation, automotive trades, welding and fabrication, plumbing, solar installation and other market-relevant skills.

She added that women and other underrepresented groups were also being included in the skills development programme.

Ms Ogwu urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously, stressing that the training could become a turning point in their lives.

“Most importantly, take attendance seriously. You are expected to maintain at least 65 per cent attendance every month to be eligible for the N30,000 stipend,” she said.

She said the attendance requirement was designed to ensure trainees received sufficient practical exposure and developed the required competence.

Mr Ogwu urged the trainees to see themselves as future entrepreneurs, technicians and innovators who could create jobs and increase their incomes.

The Centre Manager, Memorial Foundation Chateko Vocational Institute, Ajayi Olufemi, said the centre had 150 trainees in fashion design and garment making.

“We started in June this year. So far, so good. Some of them made the dresses they are wearing today by themselves within three months,” Mr Olufemi said.

Another service provider, Anthony Achenaje, said Jubilee 20 Park, Lokoja, had 100 trainees undergoing catering and event management training.

“What we want for them is to master the trade and be self-sufficient and employable,” Mr Achenaje said.

A trainee, Josephine David, said the programme had transformed her skills, enabling her to operate a sewing machine and make clothes.

“You can see what I am wearing, I made it myself. I have added value to myself thanks to IDEAS-TVET,” she said. 

(NAN)