FG trains 1,127 Plateau youths, women in vocational skills
Adebayo Gbeja
Editor • Aug 11, 2026 • 2 min read
The Federal Government has trained 1,127 youths and women in Plateau State in various vocational skills, including agricultural technology, automobile repairs, tailoring and confectionery.
The training was conducted under the Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training programme of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Tuesday in Kuru, near Jos, the Coordinator of the Social Investment Programme in Plateau, Mrs Mary Fom, said the initiative was designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills to improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty.
Fom said the beneficiaries were also trained in catering and cooking, masonry, grinding and vulcanising, among other trades.
According to her, the participants underwent a two-week intensive training across seven centres in the state before receiving starter packs and cash support to enable them to begin their businesses.
She urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the skills acquired, describing them as “problem solvers” capable of creating opportunities rather than waiting for white-collar employment.
Fom also encouraged the beneficiaries to start small, strive for excellence and train other people in their communities to expand the impact of the programme.
She said, “You are no longer waiting or looking for opportunity; you are opportunity yourselves. You have acquired skills in these vocational trades cut across all demand-driven sectors.”
Also speaking, the Plateau Secretary to the State Government, Mr Samuel Jatau, urged the beneficiaries to put their newly acquired skills into practice.
Jatau, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Policy, in the Office of the SSG, Mr Timothy Gayi, cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the starter packs provided to them.
He assured that the Caleb Mutfwang-led administration would continue to introduce policies and programmes aimed at reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of residents.
The SSG commended the Federal Government for the initiative, saying it would contribute to strengthening economic activities and promoting prosperity in Plateau State.
