Runsewe gives certificates to 372 beneficiaries of NCAC free skills acquisition programme
Acquisition
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, March 20, 2018 (NAN) Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), on Tuesday, presented awards and certificates to 372 persons, who participated in the free skills acquisition programme.
The DG presented the awards to the participants at the 2017 AFAC Expo activities to add value to life of Nigerians, held at the NCAC Headquarters in Abuja.
Runsewe said it was pertinent that NCAC should contribute towards the Change Mantra of the present administration with specific emphasis on job creation and economic empowerment of the masses by organising a free skills acquisition programme.
”The Free Skills Acquisition Programme was opened to all members of the public and was aimed at empowering Nigerians, as well as unlocking the potentials of so many idle youths.
”It was also to create the desired employment for the teaming population of Nigerian youths.
”The training which commenced from August 28 to September 17, 2017 was an intensive training of participants in various skills such as;
Waste to Wealth, E-Marketing of Arts and Crafts Products, Skills Acquisition for School Children, Ankara Shoe/Bag, Liquid Soap making, Paper Art, Stone Art, Drawing and Painting and Card Marking.
Others are; Perfume Production, Bead Making, Wool to Rug, Rags to Rug, Plastic Art, Bottle Art, Scented Candles, Traditional Hairdo and Body Adornment, Makeup, Typing of Gele and Cloth Weaving.
He added that there were training also in the three major languages ( Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba).
He said that a total of three hundred and seventy-two (372) persons participated in the three weeks training programme.
He, however, encouraged the participants to use the skills acquired as a viable tool to enrich their lives, and contributing to the development of the nation’s economy.
”I am reliably informed that a lot of you have started small business and some of you cannot even meet the demands of your clients.
“This is a welcome development, which is in line with the present administration’s agenda to reduce unemployment .
“In today’s presentation of certificates, the Council has gone ahead to package more sensitisation for all the recipients so that they can take their business to another level.
”This is on knowledge sharing on how you can start business with little or nothing and how to access loans and finally, e-mail marketing of products, ” he said.
Patience Emiowhe, a participant, told NAN that since she acquired the skills her life has change and she is now engaged.
Also, Nasiru Ibrahim, a youth corps member said that all thanks and appreciations to the organisers which was NCAC for using the platform to empower the youths in the country.
“I am very happy to have this opportunity because I do not have to wait for a white collar job to earn a living. This was possible because of the DG of NCAC.
”I urge other stakeholders to emulate what Runsewe has done to us to eradicate poverty in the country,” he said.
Also, Pst. Chidi Okome, a participant, said that it was an inspiring success story because the training has transformed him to become a craft teacher to nine schools in Abuja and three others in Kaduna.
”I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the programme, ” he said. (NAN)
ETIM/AFA
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Edited by Felix Ajide