PRESS STATEMENT

In curbing youth restiveness and ensuring sustainable peace, the Director-General of Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Honourable Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir has said that careers in vocational skills is the key to resolving unemployment in the country as the Centre graduates 102 vulnerable youths from Borno state, Northeast in a focused vocational skill training programme.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, today at the Banquet Hall in the Centre, Dr. Bashir noted that the focused skill training in tailoring, catering, information and communication technology (ICT), Solar installation and electrical works is carefully designed to empower the vulnerable individuals with practical, income generating capabilities. According to her, ‘’these skills are not just tools for self reliance- they are keys that unlock doors to economic independence, dignity and active participation in National development, she assured’’.
In reaffirming her commitment, the DG reassured that the Centre will vigorously pursue programmes aimed at upholding and promoting the empowerment of women/men, boys and girls so as to give voice and confidence to the beneficiaries to cope in the competitive environment while adding that the Centre will continue to raise a viable and skilled workforce to meet the challenges of unemployment in our country.
Dr Bashir further said that the Centre will continue to partner with Vilita Foundation, NITDA, SIMBA GROUP and Shekinah Excellence innovation ltd for their unrelenting support and goodwill.
Earlier in his remarks, the ICT director, Mr Morrison Udogbong urged that the significance of the programme should not be forgotten- assembling young vulnerable youths from rural environment and equipping them with practical, life changing skill is a remarkable and commendable undertaking, and it deserves to be replicated in communities across the nation.
Further, he was very resolute as he urges the students to put ICT skills acquired into productive venture in other to create income, job opportunities and add to the national economic development of our country.
The highlight of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of certificates, awards to partners and prizes to deserving students who have excelled in their chosen fields and group photograph.

Nnamdi Iwuchukwu
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit
MBNCWD
Monday 4th August, 2025