The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the federal government led by Tinubu to put more emphasis on skill-based empowerment programs. They argue that practical knowledge and vocational training are still the best approaches to fight youth unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.
Vanguard said that the position was made public when the party and the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to carry out the ADC’s “One Nigerian, One Skill” development program.
Nkem Ukandu, the party’s National Welfare Secretary, and Comrade Everest Obijuru, the ASVAN National President, both spoke at the ceremony.
“Our country is dealing with both unemployment and underemployment, especially among young people.
“Every year, too many young Nigerians graduate without the practical, marketable skills they need to make money, create value, and build stable lives.
“This isn’t just numbers; it’s a real problem that affects families, communities, and the economy as a whole,” Ukandu said.
He said that the goal of the empowerment program is to give young Nigerians skills that will help them make money, foster entrepreneurship, and promote self-reliance. He also said that the cooperation with ASVAN is intended to help with broader social and economic development.
He also said that working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has helped the group train craftsmen in management and commercial skills all around the country, making it better able to support the program.
“This wide-ranging goal of training, certifying, and positioning artisans as important contributors to national development makes ASVAN the perfect technical and implementation partner for our One Nigerian, One Skill program.”
“Together, we are not just signing a document; we are making sure that policy matches delivery, vision matches expertise, and ambition matches real implementation on the ground,” Ukandu said.
Obijuru stated that the group, which has been around for 12 years, has worked with the government and the commercial sector on many empowerment programs. He was sure that this relationship would provide more possibilities for young Nigerians.
“We are the grassroots, and we do a lot of different kinds of work, like welding, electrical work, vulcanizing, and mechanics,” he added. He also said that the cooperation will assist shape national development.
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