United Way Greater Nigeria, US Embassy Equip 100 Youths in Maiduguri with Career and Business Start-up Materials

United Way Greater Nigeria, US Embassy Abuja proudly announces the successful closing ceremony of the Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth and Development through Sustainable Project (PIE-GDP) Program aimed at empowering young people between the ages of 15-24 in Konduga and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council local government of Borno State to empower them to be self-reliant.

The ceremony, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education on Wednesday, 20th December 2023, marking a significant milestone in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in the lives of 100 young people in the one-year project where beneficiaries had been attached to trainers and mentors in their areas of interest including welding, tailoring, poultry farming, animal husbandry, perfume making, iron-binding, and provision store management. The aim is to foster self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among young people. Upon completion of their trainings and at the closing ceremony, these young people were provided business start up materials including sewing machines, welding equipment, livestock, hair-bakingtools, perfumery kits, and provisions, ensuring they had the resources necessary to launch their entrepreneurial ventures.

Speaking at the event, ‘Deola Durodola, the Executive Director, United Way Greater Nigeria stated, ’I am deeply grateful for your presence and wholehearted participation in this remarkable project. Your commitment and dedication have made this endeavour truly beautiful. My hope and sincere wish are for you to use these acquired skills to craft a brighter and more prosperous path for yourselves. The startup materials provided to you are not just tools; they are seeds of opportunity. I urge you to plant them wisely, nurturing them to yield the fruits of a positive income and a fulfilling life. Your success is our success. Embrace this opportunity, transform it into a pathway to prosperity, and remember that this journey towards a better life is yours to navigate and cherish’’.

Highlighting the transformative impact of the acquired skills on livelihoods, beneficiary from the College of Health and Technology, Maiduguri– Firdausi Nasir expressed gratitude – I want to use this medium to express my joy and thank United Way Greater Nigeria for the opportunity. Wehave gained a lot of lessons apart from the classes at the American Corner University of Maiduguri, we have earned certificates in the cause of the one year journey, we have been equipped with first aid training facilitated by expertsfrom Nigerian Red Cross and 21st-century workplace etiquette by Jass Academy, a renowned organization, we are sincerely grateful for this laudable project.

Dr Mustapha Kano, Director of Entrepreneurship at Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, ‘’I want to express my appreciation to United Way Greater Nigeria and encourage the participants to utilise the opportunity given and I call on the parents and guardians to ensure that the beneficiaries make good use of the items that were distributed to them’’.

Bulama Ali Kofa, Community Leader, Kofa Kadiri Community shared that, “I sincerely thankUWGN for bringing this laudable project to my community. United Way Greater Nigeria and US Embassy has fulfilled its promise to my community this will go a long way in alleviating joblessness and poverty in our community. The skills they have learnt will help the beneficiaries improve not only their lives but also the lives of their younger ones. Thank you, and God bless UWGN’’.
United Way Greater Nigeria honoured outstanding community members and stakeholders for their contributions to the program’s success, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development.

The PIE-GDP graduation marks a pivotal moment in promoting community self-reliance and economic resilience. The beneficiaries now have the skills and resources to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.

The program aims to continue supporting beneficiaries by assisting those pursuing professional exams relevant to their acquired education and skills. This initiative aligns with the program’s commitment to fostering long-term economic independence and growth.