As part of its moves to tackle unemployment and reduce youths' restiveness in the FCT, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) on Monday March 4, 2024 flagged-off a free six months fashion design training in collaboration with Abaji Area Council and AFS Vocational Training Hub at the AEA Fashion Hub and Liaison Office in Abaji Area Council.

This was contained in a Press Statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Head, Corporate Communications of AEA, Mr. Emmanuel Tortiv. 

The statement quoted the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe as commending the efforts of the Honourable Minister of FCT, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for ensuring the smooth inclusion of the rural populace in line with the renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. 

He also commended the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council Honourable Abubakar Umar Abdullahi for partnering with AEA to establish the Training Centre with a vow to strengthen the existing bond between AEA and the Council. 

He also thanked the Council for showing interest in empowering her people using the noble objective provided by the Agency for the Training.

He challenged the participants to show their commitment, tenacity, dedication, zeal and understanding in the course of attending their training exercises.

According to the CEO, "the trainees have to subscribe to the rules and regulations of the trainers because this training centre is not a centre that participants will be walking in or out of the hall at any time they feel like." 

He concluded by saying the agency has put in place a provision to award the best outstanding participant, while wishing them the best of luck.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council Honourable Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, who doubles as the ALGON National President, and was represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council, Honourable Isah Makkah, while declaring the training programme open, said the participants will also acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills from the training.

He noted that by engaging the youths with vocational skills, the incumbent government of Abaji Area Council will continue to partner with Abuja Enterprise Agency and other agencies to increase entrepreneurship, attract investment and create a sustainable and prosperous future for the indigent people of Abaji Area Council to reduce unemployment. 

Hon. Isah thanked the Agency for partnering with them and also assured them that his boss, Hon. Umar's administration will continue to promote skills development, create job opportunities, empower the youth at any given point in time and create wealth.

In an interview, a beneficiary, Oyelade Hannah, said she felt blessed by the opportunity that is going to transform her life. She expressed the desire to make the best use of the training to be a better citizen. Also speaking, another beneficiary, Summaya Abubakar thanked AEA, its partners and Abaji Area Council for empowering her with skills. "This is a renewed Hope as far as I am concerned. This training is going to change my life and that of the youths who are involved. I pray for more good things to come." Stated a visibly excited Summaya. 

The Agency is still sourcing for assistance to Flag-Off similar training centres across the remaining five Area Councils. The success of the programmes was made possible through sponsorship by the GIZ and the Abaji Area Council just as the training aims to be a continuous process.