By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Abba Isa, has praised the management of Naija Food Fiesta for its innovative initiative to train 2,000 Nigerian youths in vocational skills aimed at fostering economic self-reliance.
Hon. Abba Isa gave the commendation Thursday at the Youth Empowerment Certification Ceremony for the first cohort of the Naija Food Fiesta’s empowering training program held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
The Senior presidential aide, who was represented by his Director Media and Communications, Lanre Oloyede, acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the first 1,000 young men and women who have successfully completed their training in ICT, Culinary Arts, and Agriculture.
“The dedication and hard work of the young men and women who completed this training program is a powerful testament to what commitment and vision can achieve, especially as our country grapples with challenges related to food security and economic resilience,” remarked Hon. Abba Isa.
He emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwavering in its support of youth empowerment initiatives that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda for a prosperous Nigeria.
The presidential aide commended Naija Food Fiesta for launching the program at a critical time for the nation, adding that their commitment to training and certifying 2,000 youths within the Federal Capital Territory reflects a remarkable investment in Nigeria’s future.
Hon. Abba Isa highlighted that, beyond training, the organizers’ goal to feed 10,000 people through the initiative is a profound act of community-building and a significant contribution to the nation’s well-being.
Furthermore, Hon. Abba Isa expressed his office’s readiness to collaborate on similar initiatives, particularly those focused on including and uplifting youth with disabilities, in line with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President’s mission to create equal opportunities.
Addressing the participants, he urged them to maximize the opportunity, noting, “To each participant here today, remember that this certification is more than a piece of paper. It represents the knowledge, perseverance, and growth you have embraced over this training period. Take pride in what you have achieved, and let this moment inspire you to reach even greater heights. Know that you have the support and encouragement of your families, your community, and your country.”
He continued, “Each of you who completed this program embodies a beacon of hope and resilience for Nigeria’s future. Your skills in ICT, culinary arts, and agriculture are not just tools for personal success—they are solutions to pressing issues that affect us all, from food security to technological advancement, and ultimately, economic growth.”
The SSAP emphasized that programs like Naija Food Fiesta are instrumental in building an inclusive economy that allows young Nigerians to reach their full potential. He affirmed that as the nation celebrates the first 1,000 graduates of this program, an additional 1,000 empowered youths are expected to join soon, marking a major milestone of 2,000 skilled Nigerians ready to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
This achievement, he said, reflects a promising future where all citizens have an equal chance to harness their talents, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s development.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to the first set of 1000 trainees, including those with disabilities, who have completed their trainings in ICT, Culinary art and Agriculture.
It is expected that additional 1,000 youths will be empowered soon, marking a significant milestone of 2,000 young Nigerians prepared to seize opportunities, create change, and feed our nation.
