The Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja on Tuesday empowered 80 youths trained in poultry/fish farming, catering as well as fashion and design.
The initiative was under the auspices of Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) in collaboration with Youth Entrepreneurship, Development and Empowerment Scheme (YEDES) projects, supported by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Speaking at the event, Mr Josephat Abaagu, Chairman of the occasion, expressed gratitude to the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Dr Ignatius Kaigama, for the initiative.
Abaagu said that the programme was aimed at preparing the youths for a brighter future of self-employment, considering the difficult times faced in the country.
“We have been doing the youth empowerment scheme, this is the third year running.
“In the past we used to train them in other skills, training on photography, digital photo skills, web design and all of those things.
“With the successes recorded in the past, youth unemployment will be greatly reduced and skill acquisition will also be greatly enhanced.
“And I am happy that the government has begun to employ some of these youths because of the skills that they have ”.
He appealed to the government to collaborate with the church to expand the scope of the programme across the country.
Also, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, represented by Rev. Father Solomon Uko, Executive Director JDPC, said that the programme was one that the church emphasised on to create impact on members.
“This is what we have been talking about in the church.
“Aside the spiritual aspect that we are emphasising everytime we go to the church, we also look at the human beings because human person is holistic.
“So, the empowerment arm of the church, which l represent on behalf of the Archdiocese and Archbishop, we want to bring to light”.
Mr Odoh Sunday, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated Most Rev. Kaigama, the entire Archdiocese members and the coordinators of the initiative for such a gesture towards youths in the society.
The items presented to the beneficiaries are start-up kits such gas cylinders, poultry and fish feed, sewing machines, locally made oven and certificates.
