Date: 2006-10-05

IT was a dream come true for 100 students whose skills were sharpened at a vocational centre established by the Nigerian Youths Reformers (NYR).

The lucky ones graduated from the centre last week.

The national president of NYR, a Non-Governmental Organi-sation (NGO), based in Bariga, Lagos, Mr Sambo Abbduffatah Adedayo, spoke of a computer scheme under which 100 students will get free training.

Adedayo said the programme which is expected to feature other vocational programmes such as cinematography, cosmetology, weaving, tailoring would also attempt to curb examination malpractices through free-coaching especially in core subjects such as Mathematics, English and the sciences.

He praised stakeholders of the foundation for their effort and the volunteers for their services. According to him, the country would be a lot better if the people, especially the rich could commit little of their earnings towards the empowerment of the less-privilege.

Computers, accommodation, vehicle, books and he said funds are what the foundation needed to cope with the surging population of youths who want to take advantage of the scheme.

Mr Adegboyega Adefuwa, who stood in for the executive chairman of Bariga Local Government Council, expressed delight at the gesture coming from an NGO.

Such feat, he said has taken some pressure off the shoulders of governments and asked other well-meaning Nigerians to follow suit. "If many others with philanthropic mind adopt the same approach, the problem of hawking, prostitution and robbery will be eradicated from our society," he said.

The Patron, Mr F. O. Ohanusi, explained that the mission of the centre was to reform the youths and to eradicate poverty among them. According to him, the computer programme was designed to open the space for them to explore other opportunities available on the internet, even as he disclosed that the students are properly monitored, "so they don’t engage in internet fraud".

To the parents, Ohanusi praised them for allowing their children to be part of the exercise, saying it was a bold step towards living independent lives.

Besides, he congratulated the graduands with an advise that they disseminate the knowledge they have acquired.

Responding, Miss Onigbanjo Kafayat, one of the graduands, expressed delight at the training, saying the 14 weeks exercise has reposition her for the challenges of life.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to those who have contributed immensely to the development of NYR. No fewer than 100 students graduated.