Empowering Tomorrow’s Craftsmen: Free Leatherwork Training in Lagos

In a strategic move to combat youth unemployment, the federal government, in collaboration with Yikodeen Footwear Limited, has initiated a month-long free leatherwork training program for 100 individuals in Lagos.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President for Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education (SSATVEE), Abiola Arogundade, affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through skill acquisition. The program, aimed at empowering the participants, is a pivotal step towards enhancing economic growth and providing sustainable livelihoods.

Yikodeen Facility: A Hub for Skill Development

At the opening ceremony in Isolo, Lagos, the SSA, Abiola Arogundade, visited Yikodeen’s facility for an inspection. The factory, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, is an ideal setting for individuals to learn the intricacies of leatherwork. The collaboration with Yikodeen aligns with the government’s vision of fostering partnerships with private enterprises for comprehensive skill development.

The free training, spanning a month from Monday to Saturday, offers participants an immersive experience from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Upon completion, 50% of the beneficiaries will have the opportunity for direct employment at Yikodeen Footwear Limited. The remaining 50% will gain access to non-collateral loans facilitated by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on job creation.

Abiola Arogundade underscored President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to youth development and skill acquisition, emphasizing the significance of these initiatives in propelling economic growth and sustainability.

Scaling Skill Development Across Nigeria

Arogundade shared insights into the broader mission of skill development across Nigeria. The government, through the SSATVEE, is conducting labor audits in all 36 states, including the FCT. This data-driven approach identifies region-specific profitable skills, ensuring that training programs are tailored to meet the unique economic demands of each community.

Yikodeen’s Contribution to Societal Goals

The Managing Director of Yikodeen Factory, Atunde Shamsideen, expressed the workshop’s commitment to societal goals. Beyond the immediate community impact, the factory aims to extend its reach through collaborations with the government, highlighting the importance of empowering the youth for nation-building.

Diverse Learning Experience Beyond Footwear Making

The month-long training at Yikodeen covers the fundamentals of footwear making, including industrial processes and machinery operation. Additionally, participants will undergo courses in finance and marketing, providing a holistic entrepreneurial education beyond the craft of footwear making.

Encouragement from the National Chairman

Mosaku Ayodele, the National Chairman of Cobblers and Leathers Artisans Association of Nigeria, encouraged trainees to leverage the opportunity to discover their talents. Emphasizing self-reliance, Ayodele urged participants to focus on personal development post-workshop, considering it the key to success in life.

Crafting a Self-Reliant Future

As the government and private enterprises join forces to equip individuals with valuable skills, initiatives like the free leatherwork training in Lagos become stepping stones towards a self-reliant and empowered future for the Nigerian youth.