-Emmanuel Oluwadola
The Nigerian-German Center for jobs, migration, and reintegration in partnership with the Ondo State Government has just trained and certified youths across the State on various skills.
During the graduation ceremony at the International Culture and Events Centre, The Dome, in Akure, on Wednesday 500 youths were given certificates on different entrepreneurial skills.
The participants went through 6-week training on digital marketing, graphic designing, web designing, and other vocational skills and were equipped with the knowledge of how to use ICT to be productive and self-reliant.
In this era of technological advancements, youth have been encouraged to keep improving their skills and knowledge to add immense value to society.
The Head of the Nigerian-German Centre, Sandra Vermuijten conversed at the event and urged the youths to build on their skills and experience to meet up with the demand in the labor market.”Even though unemployment in Nigeria is high, there is still a demand for skilled workers in certain industries. We advise people to build on their skills and experience and to look for a job which guarantees them an adequate income,” Sandra Vermuijten said.
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who also spoke at the event on behalf of the Governor, said to the youths that being a graduate is a means to an end and not end in itself.
“There is the need for attitudinal change because in the current reality, being a University graduate does not translate to automatic employment. It is more about your talents and the skills you can nurture, for you to be of service to the society and community, to be an asset instead of a liability,” Deputy Governor said.
Also, the State’s Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Youth Empowerment, Mr. Lincoln Afolabi, the convener of the event, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for his adequate support for the program.
“Your commitment to initiative and causes that concerns the growth and inclusion of young people is highly commendable,” he said.
Participants Reaction
Samuel Asa, a young lad who chose a career in graphic design expressed his unreserved happiness to have been trained and finally certified to engage his skills.
“Well, as a graphic designer, I learned a lot in all sincerity. Much thanks to my instructor, Mr. Daniel. I got certified by the Ondo State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian-German Centre as a graphic designer,” Samuel reacted.
Another participant, Blessing Adetunji, a student of the University of Ilorin reiterated her experiences as awesome gaining new knowledge during training.
“I gained a lot and now I can even design some things on my laptop using my jotter. I learned what graphics and designs entail, and how to work with Adobe Photoshop and illustrator. I learned how to rebrand my business and stand on my own after the training,” Blessing said.
Nigerian-German Centre is an organization that owns an advice center with its partners to jointly arrange information and training events to enhance employability skills of job seekers towards getting them into employment.
NGC also provides support in developing job prospects and referring individuals to employers as well as giving information and advice on job opportunities and training in Nigeria.
