From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi A Sule has fulfilled his promise to provide 500,000 naira working capital to each of the fifty first-class graduates of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA).
The event, held at the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute in Lafia, Nasarawa State, witnessed the presentation of seed money to the FULAFIA graduates and financial support to other trainees, symbolising the government’s investment in the future of Nasarawa State.
As reported by Daily Sun, the combined graduation ceremony of fifty first-class graduates of FULAFIA and ninety-five trainees under the Nasarawa State Skills Empowerment Programme (NASSEP) showcased the state’s commitment to empowering its youth.
Governor Sule emphasised the importance of shifting from being employees to becoming employers, highlighting the need to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship.
“I was moved by some of the confessions of the first-class graduates of Nasarawa State University Keffi who said some of them have decided not to work as civil servants anymore. They will take the working capital I have given them to start businesses – we are not going to be employees but employers,” Governor Sule remarked, underscoring the significance of self-reliance and enterprise.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of skills acquisition in addressing unemployment, Governor Sule extended his support to various initiatives, including NASSEP.
“The program, designed to equip youths with vocational skills, received commendation for its contribution to reducing unemployment and enhancing economic development.”
Governor Sule reiterated his commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth empowerment and skills development. He emphasised the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and urged graduates to leverage their training and capital to pursue innovative business ventures.
Dr. Daniel Ewuga Asele, Executive Director of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, expressed gratitude to Governor Sule for championing initiatives like NASSEP.
He emphasised the importance of equipping youths with practical skills to foster sustainable economic development and mitigate insecurity arising from unemployment.
“Governor Sule’s visionary approach to youth empowerment through skills acquisition reflects a proactive strategy to address socio-economic challenges and promote self-reliance.”
“By providing seed capital to graduates and supporting vocational training programs, the government aims to cultivate a generation of skilled entrepreneurs poised to contribute meaningfully to the state’s prosperity.”