By Aaron Ossai
House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Abbas has said that he will provide a start-up capital of N100 million for graduates of vocational and skill acquisitions in his constituency in Zaria.
Speaking at the graduation of students of the Zainab Ahmed ICT/Vocational centre in Zaria as part of his second anniversary as Speaker, Abbas said the money will be used to start up all those who will pass through the centre for .
He said “we cannot train you and leave you alone. We will give you starter packs for you to start your own business. Make good use”
“From my early days growing up on these streets, I have always believed that true progress is built in the classroom, in the skills centre, and the mind of every child and every young person determined to rise above their circumstances.
“That belief has driven every step I have taken as your Representative to widen the doors of education across our communities.
“In these past two years, we have uplifted our schools, built new institutions, created more opportunities for our farmers and traders, supported our teachers, and empowered our sons and daughters with knowledge and skills that will stand the test of time.
“In all these efforts, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) holds a special place. This is the century of digital transformation.
“It is the age in which your ideas, your creativity and your courage can travel far beyond our borders and connect you to opportunities you never imagined. Many decades ago, my only access to knowledge was through the words of my teachers and the pages of books in the library.
“Today, the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, innovators and problem solvers are no longer limited by location. They are defined by what they know, what they can do, and how they use technology to change lives. And that is what we want for you.
“Across Africa and right here in Nigeria, we see young people building successful businesses online, offering freelance services to clients in every corner of the world, developing mobile applications that solve everyday problems, harnessing digital marketing to grow small businesses, and using online learning to gain new skills in fields once out of reach.
“With a laptop, a phone, or a simple internet connection, our youth are breaking barriers and becoming part of a truly global economy. This is the practical power of ICT– it puts the future in your hands”, he added.
