Lafarge Africa, C'River Gov't Partner Empower Youths With Technical Skills
By Hannah ARIKPO
In a bid to empower youths of Cross River state with technical skills, Lafarge Africa Plc is partnering with the Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition to empower the youths in the state with technical skills.
The SKILLS-IN-THE-HANDS INITIATIVE would train youths within the catchment area of operation of the company in various technical skills such as welding and fabrication, mechanical and electrical engineering, information and communication technology (ICT), amongst others.
The training programme, which is mid-wifed by the Cross River Ministry of Youth Development, is part of the company's corporate social responsibility, aimed at equipping youths of the state with necessary skills to become self-reliant so as to contribute to the economic development of the state.
Inaugurating the programme at Lafarge Africa PLC, Mfamosing Plant, the Plant Manager, Milad Hanna, said: "This program is designed to provide both theoretical and practical skills in welding and fabrication, thereby empowering and equipping participants with modern knowledge to be self reliant and self sufficient."
He encouraged beneficiaries of the programme to take full advantage of the opportunity and be actively serious during the learning sections.
Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Bar. Odum-Ijom Ukam, disclosed that welding and fabrication are essential skills that are in high demand across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas etc, emphasising that acquiring these skills will not only enhance their employability level, but will also enable them to contribute to the growth and development of our nation.
Ukam further said the training program is designed to equip the youths with knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the field of Welding and Fabrication.
"As you embark on this journey, I urge you to be dedicated, hardworking, and committed to excellence. The skills you are here to acquire will open doors to new opportunities for you, and I encourage you to make the most of it."
Lafarge experienced instructors will be guiding the beneficiaries through hands-on, in-workshop training sessions, to ensure that they master the latest techniques and technologies in welding and fabrication.
Recalled that in April, 2024, Lafarge Africa PLC, empowered about 20 young girls between the ages of 18 - 25 of Cross River origin from the host communities with advanced ICT training with APTECH and Arena Multimedia, through the ‘Girls-in-Tech’ programme.
Beneficiaries of the programme were greatly delighted as they expressed gratitude to Lafarge Africa and the Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition for the opportunity to acquire technical skills that will improve their livelihood.
The "Skills-IN-THE-HANDS INITIATIVE" is a laudable flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Development, Cross River state that aligns with the state government's efforts to promote youth empowerment, inclusion, entrepreneurship and economic development.
With this partnership, Lafarge Africa Plc has undeniably demonstrated its commitment to supporting the development of Cross River state and its youths.
