From Moshood Karim
Benin City- The graduation ceremony of Genius Hub’s upskilling training programme was a resounding success, showcasing the remarkable talents and newly acquired skills of the graduates in various vocational fields.
The event, which took place in Benin City on Friday, witnessed the celebration of individuals who had completed training in duvet and curtain making, hair grooming, makeup application, headgear tying, pastry and finger food preparation, and digital pattern drafting.
Mrs. Eseosa Okuku, the Edo State Coordinator of GIZ ZME, Nigerian-German Centre for Migration and Development, reiterated the organization’s commitment to providing advice on regular migration and upskilling individuals to discourage irregular migration.
She emphasized the aim of strengthening the skills of those interested in pursuing opportunities abroad, enabling them to have better prospects and avoid falling into the wrong hands upon relocation.
“We upskill those who want to migrate with skills such as hair ventilating, fashion design by improving it and making it more efficient.What we are here for today actually started in February this year. Most of our beneficiaries that we trained in fashion design previously who have started their own faashion design businesses, we had to recall some of them and other youths that are interested in migrating for job to further strenthen their skills.
“So that for anyone of them that want to go out outside Nigeria for this purpose, they will have better chance. For the advance fashion training, we do not take people who do not know how to sew, we take people who are already fashion designers and upskill their skill by training them on digital fashion practice using computer to design patterns. We also did training for the vulnerable groups and returnee migrants which include curtain duvet, pastry, barbing.” She remarked.
Dr. Isimeme Whyte, Chief Innovation Officer of Genius Hub, expressed gratitude to GIZ ZME for their unwavering support, acknowledging the organization’s role in upgrading the skills of the participants and instilling a focus on market demand, scaling, and sustainability, adding that the programme was fully sponsored by GIZ ZME and implemented by the Genius Hub.
According to her: “It is not easy to find an organisation who has created time to provide full support and quality training. They have upgraded our skills. Years ago some of the participants of our programme just learnt basic skills in fashion. But, what we have now done differently is that, we very intentional by giving market demand skills. We are intentional about scaling, sustainability.
“Today, people who have handwork, have more money than those with white-collar job. So, don’t be ashamed of what you do because you now have self-esteem. So, be consistent in your work. Focus on building business relationship, integrity of service over money. Always remember relationship, quality of work and integrity of service.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science, and Technology, Engr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, reiterated the administration’s commitment to the empowerment and welfare of the people of the State.
He encouraged the graduates to leverage their newfound skills, referring to them as assets more valuable than gold. Furthermore, he pledged support for the beneficiaries by facilitating connections with potential clients and providing financial assistance to physically challenged graduates of the programme.
Highlighting the market relevance of their services, Hon. Ogbeide assured the graduates of potential patronage from government officials and other members of the community, emphasizing the significance of their skills, particularly in the political landscape.
According to him: “The skill you have now is very important. You have been trained and what you have in your hands is more than gold , don’t allow these skills to die and the knowledge fade away. Do not be like those who will not make use of the knowledge, be one that will make millions from it.
Continuing, he said: “I want to amplify what you have done here today. There are people that will need your services next week and because they see you on my Social media pages, they will call you. I will call other Commissioners and House of Assembly members to patronise you. In this period of politics, you will make clothes like T-shirts for political actors.”
The event also featured representative from the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Mrs. Bose Ikheloa who spoke on behalf of the Registrar of the Board emphasized the importance of skill acquisition and assured the graduates of assessment and certification to validate their training.
She encouraged the participants to invite others to partake in similar skill acquisition programmes, emphasizing the significance of wealth creation through practical skills.
Mrs Okoje Stella who represented the State Attoney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi charged the the beneficiaries to make good use of the knowledge gained during the training and as they graduated today should train others. So that, they could also benefit.
Other invited guests who graced the occassion were: GIZ sky, representatives of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), SMEDAN among others.
Several beneficiaries shared their experiences and gratitude towards Genius Hub for the skill acquisition programme, citing personal growth, newfound confidence, and practical learning experiences.
One of the beneficiaries, Judith Eimiana testified of how she overcame the challenge of low selfesteem and public speaking.
Another beneficiary and Captain of the Pastries/ Finger Foods Class, Mrs. Ayodele Joy said: “When I was introduced to this training, I did not really know how to do most of these snacks neither do I know how to bake or decorate cake very well. I really appreciate GIZ for giving this opportunity. We learnt alot from them. Most of us go online to learn but the face to face training we receive from them is second to none because of the personalised attention given to each learner. They are alway there to advice and support.”
The tangible support provided to the graduates, such as starter packs, essential tools and equipment tailored to their respective fields, further illustrated the commitment of Genius Hub to equipping individuals with the necessary resources to succeed.
Genius Hub is lauded as a human capital development organization in Nigeria, dedicated to empowering individuals with diverse and lucrative skill sets.
With a mission to inspire and equip young Nigerians with dignity, professionalism, and self-discovery, Genius Hub stands as a beacon for reducing unemployment and creating sustainable job opportunities through skill development.