According to a news report from Voice of Nigeria, 500 young individuals have successfully graduated from training programmes in Cinematography & Photography, Carpentry & Woodwork, and Tie & Dye at the Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.

These graduates were selected from across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria as part of efforts to address youth unemployment.

Instructors, who imparted basic skills to the youths, encouraged them to venture into entrepreneurship and utilise their newfound talents for self-employment.

Speaking to reporters during the graduation ceremony, the Director General of the Institute, Comrade Issa Aremu, underscored the importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in combating rising unemployment rates in Nigeria. He emphasised the shift towards promoting employability through practical skills, aligning with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, “there is the need to change the narratives of Nigeria as a country from joblessness to gainful employment through skills acquisition in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote employability through skills acquisition.”

Aremu praised the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Labour and expressed confidence that the skills acquired by the graduates would significantly contribute to reducing unemployment levels. He urged the graduates to continually upgrade their knowledge, highlighting the transformative power of education.

Furthermore, the Director General reiterated the institute's commitment to training youths in skills acquisition, enabling them to become self-employed and employers of labour.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr Raji Ajayi, Deputy Director/Acting Head of Entrepreneurship Development Department, commended the dedication and perseverance of the youth in acquiring entrepreneurial skills. He encouraged them to utilise these skills to enrich their lives and contribute positively to society.