The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the potential of youths through skills acquisition and human capital development, as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on scarce white-collar jobs.
The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Human Capital Development 2, Pastor Frank Omobude, stated this at the opening ceremony of a skills acquisition training programme organised by his office in collaboration with the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB).
Omobude stressed the importance of skills acquisition in equipping young people with the technical and vocational competencies required to drive industrialisation and diversify the state’s economy.
According to him, the Okpebholo-led administration is determined to build the capacity of youths across the state while creating an enabling environment for them to acquire vocational skills that can provide sustainable means of livelihood.
He said the initiative was designed to encourage youths to become productive and self-reliant rather than depend solely on government for white-collar employment opportunities.
“Skills acquisition is critical to economic transformation, as demonstrated by developed countries where vocational and technical skills have played a major role in driving economic growth and industrial development,” Omobude said.
He noted that for Edo State to achieve meaningful economic transformation, skills acquisition must be given priority in line with the administration’s development agenda.
Omobude further encouraged stakeholders, particularly educational institutions and government agencies, to continue supporting programmes that expose young people to practical skills and emerging technologies.
He expressed optimism that sustained investment in human capital development would help position Edo youths as active contributors to the state’s economic growth and future development.
