By Tanko Mohammed
The Dangote Refinery Group in collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has flagged-off a six months skills acquisition programme for 200 youths in Ibeju-Lekki Community in Lekki Free Trade Zone.
The training was flagged-off by Dangote Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, Mr Devakumar Edwin, designed , to curb unemployment.
The training cuts across a wide range of vocational skills including welding, electrical technician, plumbing, auto mechanic, radio and television repairs, refrigerator and AC repairs, building and furniture making.
Edwin said the initiative was in line with the vision of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, to provide employment opportunities for the youths, especially those within the company’s host communities.
He said addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis requires providing platforms for youths to learn various vocational trades that would enable them to develop themselves and also become employers of labour.
“We know that there are a lot of graduates out there looking for jobs and that is why you should focus and take this training by the NDE seriously.
“ We will train you, we will equip you and also ensure that you will be employable or become entrepreneurs.
“My advice is that you should take advantage of this training to better your lives and contribute positively to the society, ” Edwin said.
The Lagos State Coordinator of the NDE, Mrs Serena Edward, lauded Dangote Group for initiating the vocational training for the youths in the community which began in 2019.
Edward said : “We are training the youths to acquire skills in various trades through master trainers.
“The objective of the training is to give youths skills that they will be able to generate wealth and curb unemployment.
“The skills will make them useful to themselves and the society. They will become self-employed and also generate employment for others.”
