Edo State Government has embarked on a mission to harness renewable energy sources in partnership with experts and institutions to provide training in solar energy, wind power, and other sustainable technologies to empower youths, not only with skills for the future job market but also with tools to create a cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, stated this at the just concluded boot camp organized by the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs with support from the GIZ, Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE), EdoJobs and Romanpage Global Services to commemorate the International Youth Day in Benin City.
The governor, who was represented by was represented by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said that the state recognizes the urgent need to prioritize sustainable development and conserve precious ecosystems for future generations.
He said, “The theme for this year’s International Youth Day, ‘Green Skills for Youth’, resonates deeply with our commitment to empowering our youth with the knowledge, skills and tools to shape a more sustainable future.
“It is inspiring to see our young people stepping up, eager to learn, innovate and lead the change towards a greener tomorrow. In Edo State, we have taken significant strides towards promoting green creative skills and sustainable development.
“We understand that our youth are not just the beneficiaries of tomorrow, you are the architects of change today. Through targeted initiatives, partnerships and collaborative efforts, we have made considerable progress in green entrepreneurship hubs, urban green spaces, waste management innovations, biodiversity conservation and community engagement.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Eire Ifueko Alufuhai Esq., disclosed that the boot camp was organized with the core objective to establish a dynamic platform where young people can immerse themselves in purposeful dialogues, workshops and interactive sessions focused on green skills, creative business awareness and sustainable progress.
“Our aspiration is to ignite and instill enthusiasm within the young participants, encouraging them to play an active role in shaping a more ecologically balanced and prosperous future not only for Edo State but for the entirety of Nigeria,” Alufuhai said.
“The Edo State government through the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs is committed to creating safe platforms where young people’s voices can be heard to harness and nurture their talents, creativity and potential.
“As such, I would like to announce that in partnership with the Edo Skills Development Agency and the GIZ, we will be organizing a four-month training programme for participants to have the opportunity of building their knowledge and competence in the creative sector.
“I want to recognize partners who have actively stood with the government in mitigating the challenge of youth empowerment. Your contribution to the empowerment of young people is commendable and I look forward to our continued fruitful support,” she said.
In a goodwill message, Ayotunde Razaq Jr, GIZ Communication Advisor, commended the Edo State government for the laudable initiative which is fast becoming a norm in the state.
“In the year 2022, the ministry marked the International Youth Day with a boot camp and this year we gather to celebrate another International Youth Day 2023. This year followed the same pattern and with closer collaboration and support by Edo State Skills Development Agency and the German Government through GIZ in delivering training for green and creative skills during the boot camp,” Razaq said.
“The theme of this year’s International Youth Day is timely and touches the very heart of what we are jointly trying to achieve in our effort to provide quality and lifelong learning opportunities for the youths of Edo State.
“At SKYE, we work with our partner, the Edo State government, to achieve this through a multi-level integrated approach to employment promotion, that looks at policy recommendation through the public private dialogue platform.
“To give an example, last year during the International Youth Day week, GIZ SEDEC cluster together with the Ministry of Youths and all relevant stakeholders started the process of domesticating the national youth policy action plan for Edo State and today we are on the path of integrating this action plan into a holistic employment strategy for Edo State,” he said.
At the end of the three-day boot camp, the youths were presented with certificates of participation by the Director of Youth, Mr. Asiriuwa Victor, on behalf of the organizers. The participants expressed their appreciation to the state government and GIZ for giving them the opportunity to learn many skills that will be of assistance to them.
