The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) says no fewer than 5,000 youths in Edo are undergoing training in skill acquisition programmes.

The director-general of NDE, Silas Agara, stated this during the inspection of the ongoing construction of a skills acquisition centre in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo, on Friday.

“Currently, we are training 5,000 youths in Edo under our skill acquisition programme. We have 128 skills centres nationwide and 150 farm settlements across the country.

“We are imparting knowledge to the youths and women in order for them to be self-employed,” Mr Agara said.

Mr Agara said the centre in Ogbona is designed to empower young people with vocational skills and reduce unemployment.

He expressed satisfaction with the work done so far.

“The skill centre has over 12 different skill sets. We are here to provide technical support for the project.

“When completed, it is expected to train youths in several trades such as tailoring, carpentry, and other entrepreneurial skills,” he said.

The director-general stressed the federal government’s commitment to youth empowerment through investments in vocational education.

(NAN)