Abuja: Former First Lady Maryam Abacha has urged Nigerian youths to embrace vocational training and skills to equip themselves against the rising unemployment challenge and become self-reliant. The wife of the late Head of State made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of her investiture as the Grand Matron of MOP Stars FC Academy at her residence in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, as Nigeria grapples with a high unemployment rate, there is a need for young people to equip themselves with practical skills to become self-employed and contribute to national economic growth. Maryam Abacha noted that the growing economic challenges of modern times, occasioned by population growth, required that the youth embrace hands-on training in various trades for improved financial security for themselves and their families.
She urged leaders at all levels, policymakers, and privileged Nigerians to provide vocational education and training, focusing on developing practical skills and knowledge relevant to specific trades, occupations, and vocations. Maryam Abacha emphasized the need for more vocational schools to train young people, stating that formal education alone is not sufficient for job creation.
The former first lady expressed appreciation to the leadership of MOP Stars FC Academy for choosing her as the grand matron of the youngsters' football club. She urged leaders and Nigerians of goodwill to invest in ventures that seek to discover, develop, and showcase budding talents. She lauded the leadership of MOP Stars FC Academy for enlisting the lads and securing their participation in the Dana tournament, adding that the feat would launch them into professional football careers.
Maryam Abacha pledged her support and prayers for the youngsters as they represent Nigeria at the tournament scheduled to hold from July 21 to 26. She commended them for their dedication and for staying away from vices, encouraging them to continue preaching peace and unity.
Earlier, Dr. Suleiman Adejoh, President of MOP Stars FC Academy, extolled the former first lady's commitment to fostering peace and unity. He highlighted her passion for young people and her selfless leadership style as reasons for choosing her as the grand matron of the teenage club. Adejoh praised her for inspiring laudable programmes such as the African First Ladies Peace Mission, National Programme on Immunisation, and Family Support Programme.
Adejoh expressed delight that the Dana tournament was an opportunity for talented young Nigerians to showcase their skills on the global stage. He emphasized the club's focus on the discovery, development, and empowerment of Nigeria's budding talents in football.