By Ado Ibrahim,Lafia
Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, has empowered 50 outstanding graduands of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, with vocational tools and equipment, alongside a financial support of ₦100,000 each to enable them establish and expand their respective businesses.
The empowerment initiative was unveiled during a symbolic presentation of tools and equipment to the beneficiaries in Lafia, the state capital, with Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu in attendance.
The programme is part of efforts to promote vocational education, encourage entrepreneurship and equip young people with the practical resources required to become economically independent and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nasarawa State.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Senator Wadada commended Governor Sule for prioritising skills acquisition, youth empowerment and economic self-reliance through targeted investments in vocational and technical education.
He described the intervention as a commendable investment in the future of young people, noting that providing vocational training without the necessary tools to translate acquired knowledge into productive ventures could limit the benefits of such programmes.
According to him, equipping graduates with relevant tools and financial assistance would give them a practical opportunity to put their skills into use, establish businesses, generate income and become productive members of society.
Beyond the presentation of vocational equipment tailored to the various skills and trades acquired by the beneficiaries, Governor Sule also approved ₦100,000 for each of the 50 graduands as personal financial support to assist them as they begin their entrepreneurial journeys.
The additional financial assistance is expected to help the beneficiaries address some of the initial challenges associated with setting up businesses and putting their newly acquired skills into practice.
Senator Wadada noted that the combination of technical equipment and financial support demonstrated the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment, stressing that practical skills, access to tools and start-up assistance were essential ingredients for sustainable entrepreneurship.
He further observed that vocational and technical education remained a critical pathway to addressing unemployment, reducing dependency and strengthening the productive capacity of the state’s economy.
The initiative also underscores the importance of investing in human capital development by creating opportunities for young people to acquire marketable skills and turn their talents into sustainable sources of livelihood.
For the beneficiaries, the intervention represents an opportunity to move beyond classroom and workshop training into practical business activities, with the potential to create additional employment opportunities for others within their communities.
Wadada expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would make effective use of the equipment and financial support provided to them, urging them to remain committed, innovative and determined in building successful enterprises.
He also reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration between government, educational institutions and the private sector in expanding opportunities for vocational training, entrepreneurship and job creation.
The empowerment programme reflects the Nasarawa State Government’s commitment to promoting a development model that places skills acquisition, economic inclusion and youth productivity at the centre of its development agenda.
As the 50 graduands begin the next phase of their professional and entrepreneurial journeys, the intervention is expected to strengthen the link between vocational education and practical economic opportunities.
The initiative further reinforces the belief that empowering young people with relevant skills, appropriate equipment and financial support is a strategic investment in building a prosperous, productive and economically self-reliant Nasarawa State.
