The office of the Plateau State Governor’s wife in partnership with UNICEF has commenced empowerment training for 250 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

The training is part of efforts to support those displaced following  communal clashes and conflicts.

Inaugurating the three-day life skill training on Thursday in Jos, Helen Mutfwang, said it marked a major step in rebuilding and empowering displaced youths who have endured severe humanitarian hardships.

Mrs Mutfwang said that despite disruptions to livelihood and security, young people continued to show resilience, strength, and hope across affected  communities in the state.

She said that the UNICEF partnership was beyond training, describing it as “an investment in the future, confidence, and wellbeing of the participants.”

The governor’s wife said the programme would equip trainees with vital life skills, including communication, confidence-building, leadership, and active community participation.

She added that the training also covered hygiene awareness, violence prevention, and understanding gender-based violence as well as preparing youths for safer community engagement.

According to her, the skills were practical tools to help displaced youths rebuild communities, protect themselves, and pursue purposeful, dignified lives.

Also speaking, the UNICEF Programme Coordinator, Dr Nosayaba Tukura, said the training aimed to rebuild the lives of IDPs in Jos through practical skills and emotional healing.

Ms Tukura said that the workshop combined trauma-informed sessions with vocational training to help displaced youths regain confidence and resilience for future rebuilding.

She said participants would engage in healing conversations, stress-management lessons and inner-strength development to prepare them for effective skills acquisition.

The coordinator said that the programme also provided business ideas, leadership identity development and future-focused competencies to support personal growth among displaced youths.

According to her, the training will empower IDPs to rebuild communities by equipping them with tools that strengthen economic prospects and social responsibility.

Ms Tukura said organisers expected a lasting impact as participants start small businesses, form support groups and transmit acquired skills across Plateau communities.

Some participants during an interview expressed commitment to the training.

A mother of four children, Rose Abilah, expressed readiness to receive training in sewing to enable her to support her children whose father had been killed in the conflict.

A trader from Barkin Ladi and mother of six children, Hauwa Sati, said she would like to be trained in poultry farming.

A mother of five children from Ryom, Christiana Dung, said she would appreciate any form of training to support her family.

(NAN)