NPRGS Empowers 700 Youths in Oyo With Vocational Skills, Digital Tools

The Federal Government has empowered 700 beneficiaries in Oyo State through a vocational training and skills development programme under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), as part of efforts to address unemployment, reduce poverty and promote economic self-reliance among Nigerians.

The beneficiaries graduated from a 10-day intensive training programme in Ibadan on Friday, October 9, 2026, after receiving practical training and resources intended to help them establish businesses and pursue sustainable livelihoods.

The programme was coordinated by Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education.

According to information released by the Presidency, the beneficiaries were trained across different areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), graphics design, makeup artistry, fashion design and digital economy-related skills.

Of the 700 beneficiaries, 30 received training in AI and graphics, while 85 participated in makeup artistry and another 85 in fashion design. The remaining 500 beneficiaries received digital devices to support their participation in the digital economy.

The initiative also provided participants with certificates and start-up kits to help them apply their newly acquired skills in practical business settings.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Arogundade said the programme reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills, opportunities and resources to compete in an evolving economy.

She emphasised the importance of practical training in improving employability, encouraging entrepreneurship and helping beneficiaries build sustainable sources of income.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District and is the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, commended the initiative, expressing optimism that it would contribute to poverty reduction in the state and beyond.

Alli also said the Tinubu administration had introduced measures to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal, describing the empowerment programme as part of broader efforts to address economic hardship and unemployment.

Similarly, Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, praised Arogundade for facilitating the programme. He urged beneficiaries to protect the equipment provided and use the resources productively rather than dispose of them.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Shola Ladoja, also commended the Federal Government and Arogundade for the intervention. He expressed hope that the initiative would improve livelihoods and help reduce poverty.

The ceremony attracted youths, politicians, traditional rulers, representatives of non-governmental organisations, entrepreneurs and academics.

The programme forms part of the Federal Government’s wider NPRGS initiative, which aims to expand access to skills acquisition, entrepreneurship opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. The government has also outlined an ambition to lift five million young Nigerians out of poverty through skills development and empowerment programmes.

However, the long-term impact of the intervention will depend partly on whether beneficiaries can turn their training and start-up resources into viable income-generating activities. Continued access to markets, business support, reliable infrastructure and opportunities to develop their skills will be important in determining how far the programme can contribute to lasting poverty reduction.

For Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria facing youth unemployment and economic pressures, the initiative highlights the role vocational education and digital skills can play in expanding economic participation. Its effectiveness will ultimately be measured by the number of beneficiaries who establish sustainable businesses, secure employment and improve their living conditions.

The Federal Government has empowered 700 beneficiaries in Oyo State through NPRGS vocational training, digital skills development and start-up kits to promote employment and reduce poverty.