The North-East Development Commission, Gombe office, has started a six-day empowerment training in solar photovoltaic system design, installation, and entrepreneurship packages for 30 youths in the state.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the aim of the training is to equip youths in the state with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and reach their full potentials especially with the current unstable power supply in the country.
The acting Gombe State Coordinator of NEDC, Alhaji Rufa’i Lawan Baba-Manu, described the training as a process that promotes self-reliance, enables individuals to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and contribute positively towards the socio-economic development.
He said, “empowerment is about giving individuals a voice, allowing them to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives, and by involving individuals especially Youths, in key decisions that will fosters a sense of ownership, responsibility, and self-reliance.”
Baba-Manu further stated that “looking at the North-Eastern region that has already been affected by lack of infrastructural development as a result of insurgency, and a lot of businesses have been closing down due to insufficient power supply in the country, the commission finds it necessary to train youth on solar installation as an alternative.”
Earlier speaking, the Gombe State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr Abdullahi Baffa Garkuwa, said the training came timely and appreciated the NEDC not only the Gombe office but NEDC in the entire six geo-political states in the region for their tireless efforts in supporting the government towards job creation.
He therefore, called on the beneficiaries to make use of the knowledge they possess towards the socio-economic development of Gombe State, North-East region, and the country in general.
Umar Ahmad Hassan and Zainab Ahmad Jafar, who were part of participants expressed their gratitude to the Commission for improving the quality of life and standards of living of the youths in the state.
Cov/Ibrahim Salisu Hinna
