Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
October 27, 2022.
The Federal Government has expended $7 billion (N3.02 trillion) on poverty reduction among 100 million youths and women across the country.
The poverty reduction programme is implemented under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) in the six geo-political zones.
Declaring the N-Skills training, yesterday (Wednesday), at the Prof. Iya Abubakar Resource Centre, Bauchi, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq; disclosed: “Since 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari has prioritized the plights of the poor and other vulnerable population.”
According to her, the N-Skills is the largest social protection programmes in Africa with an annual budget of $1 billion (N431 billion).
She noted that this was despite the economic meltdown inherited by the Buhari seven-year administration.
Besides, she noted that the federal government has paid more attention to reduce poverty among the poor and vulnerable groups.
“This informed the decision to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy for enhancing social inclusion,” she said.
She stated that poverty reduction programme could cause improve the living conditions of the poorest and vulnerable population.
Continued; “I have personally witnessed the life-changing experiences of people who lived below the poverty line,” stating the she was shocked this year of a vulnerable group with improved living conditions.
She noted that most of the targeted poor could afford their basic needs of life, including text and exercise books to their children and wards.
“This is in line with the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy,” she said, adding that it will also revamp and expand NSIP to revamp the economies of the six geopolitical zones.
She noted that this led to the launch of the N-Skills programme; based on the certification system and accreditation of trainees.
According to her, the training are through the informal Apprenticeship System (APS) of the Master Craft Persons at Community Skills Development Centres across the country.
“The N-Skills programme target the marginalized and vulnerable population with primary education, as well as those who do not have formal education and employment
She noted that it will improve the ‘quality and relevance’ of the skills acquired under the standardized national certification system.
Besides, she added that the targeted beneficiaries will migrate to full-time employment for income generation and self-reliance.
This, according to her, will bridge the gaps required for relevant skills acquisitions and trades among the unemployed youths.
End.
