In a bid to create job opportunities for the reduction of unemployment in the state, Ekiti State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government has commenced the data capturing of interested youth for various vocational and skills acquisition training programme.
The data capturing programme currently ongoing at Ekiti state Bureauof Labour and Productivity, Ado Ekiti was  aimed at selecting 500 beneficiaries to be trained in various vocations and practical skills, including vulcanising, furniture and carpentry, tailoring, electrical and wiring, catering and baking, plumbing and several other crafts.
During her visit to the venue of the data capturing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Mrs. Tayo Adeola said that it was time to diversify the Economy of The State from civil service and agrarian based to skill acquisition and commerce in order to realize the needed economic drive that would make the state compete fairly with other growing economies in Nigeria and West African sub-region.
The Special Adviser, who stressed the need for the bureau to create a synergy between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, advised that only those who are ready and prepared to learn should be considered for capturing.
While assuring the capturing team of proper monitoring of the programme for successful implementation, Adeola implored the State Artisan President Comrade Fadipe Ebenezer and his counterpart in the Furniture and Carpentry Traders Association, Mr Thomas Olaniyi to make sure the slots allotted them cut across the 16 LGAs.
Earlier, The Executive Secretary, Bureau of Employment, Labour and Productivity, Mrs Olubukola Faluyi appreciated the Federal Government for deeming it necessary to partner the State Government in training unemployed youth across the state with the aim of cushioning the effects of COVID-19 .
Faluyi expressed the readiness of her office through the N SkILL to train both the youth and Artisan in different entrepreneurship skills to reduce unemployment and to promote self dependency to an appreciable level.
The Executive Secretary implored the potential beneficiaries toprepare their minds to learn the vocation that would improve their living status.Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Ekiti State Artisan President, Comrade Fadipe Ebenezer appreciated both the Federal Government and the Administration of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for deeming it fit to equip both the Youths and the Artisans on Skills acquisition with a promise not to disappoint the Government at all level.
Also speaking, the Chairman Furniture and Carpentry Traders Association, Mr. Thomas Olaniyi gave kudos to the Federal Government and appreciate the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji led Administration for considering his Association worthy to be considered as beneficiaries.
He assured of commitment from the beneficiaries while his association would embark on monitoring and supervision of the scheme to ensure desired results in the State.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
