The National Youth Authority has enlisted over 100 beneficiaries onto the Skills Towards Employability & Productivity (STEP) project in the Kadjebi District under the leadership of its chief executive officer, Mr Pius Hadzide.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the chief executive officer said the first phase of the programme shall absorb over 1000 youth nationwide in 4 economically viable artistry works namely dressmaking, cosmetology, hairdressing, and satellite dish installation.
The beneficiaries were given sewing machines, hair-dryers, satellite dish gadgets and other start-up kits in order for them to undergo intensive apprenticeship training in the artistry industry without any impediments.
The STEP project is another flagship programme of government geared towards equipping the youth with employable skills and also to horn their talents in order for them to contribute to nation development.
He encouraged the youth to take vocational training and agriculture seriously as one does not need to rely solely on government for employment upon graduating.
Mr Pius Hadzide highlighted the numerous youth focused programmes rolled out by the the government as an indication of the president’s unrivalled desire to make the youth of the country a key part of the development agenda through skills and development training.
He said the reintroduction of teacher trainee allowance, NABCO, YOUSTART among others have been designed to erase all bottlenecks that prevent the youth from reaching higher heights.
He entreated the beneficiaries to learn in humility and respect under the tutelage of the master craftsmen. He cautioned them against truancy and laziness as anyone who falls foul shall be taken off the programme.
He sternly cautioned the master craftsmen not to turn the beneficiaries into maidservants. Any master craftsman who infringe upon any of the laid down rules shall be penalized and benefits due them shall not be paid.
He informed the townsfolk to be grateful to Ambassador Rashid Bawa and the district chief executive, Hon. Wilson Agbanyo for intensively lobbying to bring the programme to Kadjebi.