Gladys Hall, APDC Group HQ – Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural programme, where 100 young participants completed an intensive one-month training initiative, the Research Training and Development Initiative, a subsidiary of APDC Group today officially launched the second cohort of the Skillnovation programme.

The comprehensive first cohort equipped participants with practical technical, digital, and business management skills through high-demand vocational and entrepreneurial training modules. These included makeup artistry, digital marketing, culinary arts and confectionery, hair braiding, and wig crafting, all designed to meet current market demands and foster entrepreneurial growth.

This transformative initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Wema Bank to empower young people across the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, providing them with essential digital, technical, and business competencies to enhance both employability and entrepreneurial capacity.

In his opening remarks, Mr Olusanya Olubunmi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, represented by Mr Ngwaogu Michael, Acting Director of the Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, delivered a powerful message to participants: "Today's youth are not merely leaders of tomorrow, but entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers of today. Your resilience and hard work have brought you this far."

He continued, "Remember that the skills you will acquire in this programme are not just tools for personal success, but instruments for community development and national progress. I challenge you not simply to learn, but to push the boundaries of what is possible. The Ministry looks forward to the innovations that will emerge from this programme - innovations that will shape and inspire a new generation of skilled craftsmen and women."

Delivering the goodwill message, Mr Timileyin Obisesan, Head of Partnerships for Wema Bank's Abuja/North Region, urged trainees to seize the programme's opportunities to become self-employed and help address the country's concerning unemployment rates.

"Start with baby steps," he advised. "You will rise and fall, but you must rise and fail forward. Whatever you do, keep moving forward. Pay close attention to the training, and hopefully, during graduation, we shall witness the outstanding work you will have accomplished over the next month." He extended special appreciation to the APDC team for their exceptional work with the first cohort.

Dr Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director of APDC Group, emphasised the importance of dedication and commitment, urging trainees to maximise their engagement with facilitators to fully benefit from the intensive one-month programme. "This training will empower not only yourselves and your families but contribute to nation-building," he noted. "Dr. Chiji Ojukwu reinforced that as a youth-run centre, its leadership is of the same generation as the trainees, offering them a direct source of inspiration and proof of what is possible.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished representatives from the Ministry of Youth Development, Wema Bank, Gwagwalada community leaders, and youth stakeholders from across the country. All parties unanimously urged trainees to embrace the programme's full potential whilst reaffirming their collective commitment to delivering impactful training initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's youth development landscape.

As participants embark on this transformative month-long journey, The Centre’s expectations remain high for the innovative solutions and entrepreneurial ventures that will emerge.

Stay tuned for regular updates on the programme's progress and impact 

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