By Olamilekan FAWAS
The Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Epe, Lagos State, is to sponsor 1000 indigenes to acquire different skills in the next four years.
Its Executive Chairman, Mr Adeniyi Saliu, said the idea was borne out of his desire to reduce unemployment, eradicate poverty and develop the community.
“The skill acquisition programme will make our indigenes to be self-employed and self-reliant. Some of them are graduates without jobs, while some are school certificate holders. This opportunity will ensure that they become independent business owners.
“The capacity building programme will focus on hotel management, textile designing, catering and hairdressing for now,’’ he said.
According to him, 250 indigenes will be trained every year for the next four years, adding that the first set of trainees had just completed the six months training.
The LCDA boss said 21 trainees participated in the just-concluded programme which took place between February 1 to August 2 at the Nigerian Opportunities Industrial Centre (NOIC) in Gbagada, Lagos State.
“Another set from the remaining 229 indigenes will commence their training immediately. The training will continue throughout the four years of my tenure.
“The first set of trainees has just graduated. We are going to send another batch very soon, our target is to train 250 indigenes before the expiration of our first term in office.
“Also, the council will not leave the successful trainees alone, but will follow them up and support them in any area of need,’’ he said.
Saliu said the programme was in part fulfillment of his campaign promise, adding that the LCDA was determined to succeed and “change the face of the community”.
“There is no criterion for selecting indigenes for the programme; we pick them at random from different localities under the council.
“We want to ensure that all the jobless youths are engaged in one skill or the other. The training is for both male and female in the community,’’ he said.
The local council boss stressed that his administration would continue to support human capacity development.
