The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB) have called on stakeholders to deepen support for skills acquisition programmes as a strategic response to youth unemployment and rising social vices across the country.
The call was made on Monday at the opening of the NASRDA/GBB Skills Development Project held at the Women Development Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive of GBB, Mr Ibrahim Igoche, described youth empowerment as a critical pillar for national stability and sustainable development. He said investing in practical skills for young people would not only reduce unemployment but also curb crime, drug abuse and other social challenges.
According to Igoche, skills acquisition initiatives provide young Nigerians with viable alternatives to joblessness by equipping them with competencies that can be translated into productive and income-generating ventures.
“Young people are the backbone of any nation. When they are empowered with relevant skills, they become agents of development rather than victims or drivers of social vices,” he said.
He noted that programmes such as the NASRDA/GBB Skills Development Project were designed to bridge the gap between education and employability, particularly for youths at the grassroots level.
Igoche urged government agencies, private sector players and development partners to collaborate more closely in expanding skills-based training opportunities, stressing that collective action was required to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
The event attracted participants from various communities, development organisations and training facilitators, who commended the initiative as a timely intervention aimed at fostering self-reliance and reducing youth vulnerability.
The NASRDA/GBB Skills Development Project is expected to train participants in diverse vocational and technical skills, positioning them for entrepreneurship and improved livelihoods.
