Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the potential of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms to create employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youth and foster growth across various economic sectors.

Speaking on Friday at the combined graduation ceremony of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Shettima emphasized the urgent need for skills acquisition to address youth unemployment and unemployability.

“The danger of neglecting technical and vocational skills acquisition is one we cannot afford. The success stories of the Asian Tigers should inspire our national development strategies and economic aspirations,” he said.

The vice president noted that Tinubu’s economic reforms aim to establish a foundation for sustainable growth, adding that increased allocations to states will enable better funding of developmental programs.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s agrarian history, Shettima urged renewed focus on initiatives that leverage both skilled and unskilled labor to drive economic transformation.

He commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for his vision of turning the state into a hub of job opportunities and applauded the institute for graduating over 9,000 students within three years. Shettima encouraged the graduands to join associations and cooperatives to access loans and benefit from mentorship opportunities.

Earlier, Governor Sule explained that the institute’s programs address skills gaps in critical sectors and empower young Nigerians for economic productivity.

Other notable figures also praised the initiative:

• Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong highlighted the state government’s impactful schemes in agriculture and vocational training.
• Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah, emphasized the importance of equipping young people with skills to uplift their communities.
• NECA Director General Adewale Oyerinde lauded the state’s commitment to youth empowerment.

The event featured the distribution of start-up packs and certificates to 1,000 graduands trained in welding, tailoring, ICT, and other fields.

High points included Shettima’s distribution of relief materials to flood victims and the presentation of tractors and paddy rice to farmers, further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to Nasarawa State.