The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has commenced a comprehensive training programme for 300 Nigerian youths in fisheries, poultry, and animal husbandry.

The training, which began at CSS Global Integrated Farms, Gora, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, marks the first phase of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills, Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (IDEAS-TVET) project, officially launched on October 27, 2025.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, lauded the initiative as a timely intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to engage Nigerian youths in productive ventures that promote food sufficiency and reduce criminal activities.

“This programme goes beyond training — it is about empowering our young people with the tools to create opportunities, not just for themselves but for their communities. A productive youth population translates to a safer and more prosperous nation,” Dr. Akabe stated.

In her remarks, the National Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs. Blessing Ugwu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing young Nigerians with the skills needed to excel in an evolving global economy. Represented by the Head of Communication, Mr. Uche Mbaogu, she urged participants to maximize the opportunity presented by the programme.

“To our young beneficiaries — seize this opportunity, learn, grow, and let this programme serve as the launchpad for your success. The future belongs to you, and with the support of the World Bank, the IDEAS-TVET initiative is here to help you achieve it,” she encouraged.

The Training Service Provider and Chairman of CSS Integrated Farms, Professor John Kennedy-Opara, advised participants to approach the training with dedication and foresight, noting that the knowledge acquired would not only transform their lives but also enhance Nigeria’s reputation globally.

The training, a tripartite collaboration between the World Bank, the Federal Ministry of Education, and CSS Global Integrated Farms, will span six months — comprising three months of intensive training and an additional three months of mandatory internship.

The IDEAS-TVET initiative, supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Federal Government, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TVET) system — equipping young Nigerians with hands-on skills that drive innovation, employment, and sustainable national development.

— Celestine Toruka