As part of measures to further create employment opportunities and empower Nigerian youths, the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology Centre, BEST, of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI has trained fifteen youths on office administration and technical facilities operation and maintenance.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries after the one year training in Abuja, the President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu said the training was also part of the Chamber’s efforts at building capacity within and outside the business community.
Chief Emeka Obegolu who was represented by 1st Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman, Governing Council of the BEST Centre, Prof Adesoji Adesugba reiterated the commitment of ACCI towards youth empowerment, job creation and economic development in the country
“First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of these programs. We acknowledge the invaluable collaboration and support from German International Corporation Nigeria through the SKYE Programme right from 2020 and other partners in implementing this one year competency based dual vocational training in two trades of Office Administration and Technical Facilities Operations and Maintenance” He said
In his words”Additionally, we commend the BEST Centre for executing the second phase of the trainings, alongside the commitment and efforts of the trainees and the Federation of Construction Industries (FOCI) for the TFOM Training and this achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, self-reliance, and dedication to excellence in vocational training.
Both training programs were designed with a clear mission: to equip participants with essential skills required to excel in their respective fields.
According to him, these programs go beyond traditional learning; they immerse trainees in real-world scenarios, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience and through our competency-based education model, students have engaged in a structured learning process that balances classroom instruction with extensive practical field training, culminating in rigorous assessments to ensure mastery of their skills.
“Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of these hardworking and determined individuals who have successfully completed this rigorous training and the TFOM program, on the other hand, focuses on technical facility management. It provides trainees with industry-relevant competencies across 12 critical learning fields, from safe working practices and environmental protection measures to electrical installation operations and building security. The program’s methodology of one month of classroom instruction followed by three months of practical field training—ensures graduates gain real-world experience, making them highly employable” the ACCI President explained
He pointed out that beyond acquiring technical knowledge, our graduates have also developed essential soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism.
“These attributes will serve them well as they navigate the evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to their organizations and society at large and to our graduates, today is not just a ceremony—it is a stepping stone into a future filled with opportunities. You have been equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to thrive in the workplace.
In a remark, the Programme Manager of Skills Development’ for Youth Employment Programme, Mrs Britta Erckelens promised continuous technical support to ACCI through German Development Corporation.
She expressed the hope that the twenty years partnership with ACCI had yielded positive results on youth employability and empowerment.
In their goodwill messages, the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Dr Affiz Ogun represented by Mrs Phoebe Ocheche and Registrar, Industrial Arbitration Panel, Abdulhamid Ibrahim also represented by Amina Umar commended ACCI for the training programme.
They also promised their Agency’s continuous support and partnership with the Chamber towards reducing unemployment in the country.
Earlier, the Director, Business entrepreneurship Skills and Technology Centre of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, Dr Tinuke Temitope said the training was to create another platform for educational and institutional certification for Nigerian youths..
“Everybody does not have to gain admission into the University or Polytechnic but they can also go into skills self training and the end of the day obtain the certificate which is equivalent to certificates such as Bsc, HND, ND etc after passing through the normal process and procedures and this will go a long way to empowering them in their career thereby reducing unemployment in the country ” Dr. Tinuke Temitope stated.
Some of the beneficiaries commended ACCI for the one year training adding that the move would assist them in realizing their career dreams.
Highpoint of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the graduands.
MATHEW AYOOLA
