From Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The Leafnet Enterprises Limited, in partnership with Ladi Memorial Foundation Chateko Vocational Institute (LMF-CVI) Lokoja, has commenced training for 150 youths in Fashion & Garment Making in Kogi State.
The training is being conducted under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (FME-IDEAS) Project, supported by the World Bank.
The orientation programme for the trainees was held on Tuesday, at the CVI facility in Ajaokuta, marking the official kick-off of activities for the FME-IDEAS Fashion & Garment Making Training Programme in Kogi State.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday, Hon. Rosemary Osikoya, the LMF-CVI Executive Director, one of the Training Service Providers (TSPs) implementing the IDEAS-TVET initiative, said the Tuesday orientation serves as the official commencement for all enrolled trainees.
She explained that the exercise was designed to familiarise beneficiaries with the programme objectives, training modules, institutional policies, safety procedures, attendance requirements, assessment methodology, and opportunities after completion.
Osikoya, the immediate past Commissioner for Education, commended President Bola Tinubu, FME-IDEAS, World Bank, and Gov Ahmed Ododo for supporting the initiative.
She urged the trainees to take the six-month programme seriously, noting that Fashion & Garment Making was selected as a high-demand skill area, with strong potential to create jobs, and boost micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kogi and beyond.
She assured that LMF-CVI remains committed to producing skilled, industry-ready garment makers for Kogi’s economy.
Dignitaries at the event applauded the initiative, and underscored how skills acquisition remains key to self-reliance and economic independence.
They urged trainees to maximise the opportunity.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Hon Wemi Jones, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Albert Alabi, congratulated LMF-CVI and the trainees, saying the programme is strategic and timely as education policy now leverages entrepreneurship and skills acquisition alongside learning.
He noted that such opportunities were not available in the past, and urged trainees to embrace the shift toward self-reliance.
Hon Jibrin Abu, House of Assembly member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, said craftsmanship is driving global economies, citing China, Japan, and Korea as examples.
The lawmaker encouraged trainees not to feel inferior, stressing that garment making sustains livelihoods, and “touches the pockets of big men.”
He pledged partnership support for the programme, noting that it falls within his constituency.
Mrs Ruth Opaluwa, the Director, Quality Assurance Department, Ministry of Education, represented by Mr Abdul Adeyemi, delivered a paper on ‘Security strategy, safeguarding and child protection in schools.’
She said safeguarding policies are now essential to protect learners from abuse, violence, and exploitation, and stressed that a safe school is a successful school.
Beneficiaries also commended FME and CVI for the free training.
A trainee, Dupe Olowu, said the programme would help her perfect her skills and train others.
The IDEAS-TVET programme, funded by the World Bank, and implemented by FME, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, equips Nigerian youths with market-relevant skills to improve employability and promote self-reliance.
The training follows the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) by NBTE, and is competency-based.
Trainees will undergo six months training, enjoy monthly stipend from the government, NABTEB/NOS certification, amongst other incentives.
IDEAS-TVET has trained over 40,000 youths nationwide, and targets 1 million within two years.