By Simeon OSAJIE
The Centre for Edo Delta Development Initiative (CEDDI), in collaboration with Heartbeat People Development Initiative (HPDI), have called on the Edo State Government to introduce free skills acquisition programmes for youths as part of efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic empowerment.
The Executive Director of CEDDI, Mr. Lawrence Omoregie made the assertions while speaking on behalf of the group during an awareness rally organised to commemorate World Poverty Day on Friday, 2026, at the Edo State Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) with the theme, “Safe Homes for All, United for Peace and Human Rights.” the Executive Director of CEDDI.
He described skills acquisition as a practical tool for tackling poverty, noting that equipping young people with relevant vocational skills would enable them to become self-reliant, earn a living and contribute to the development of the state.
According to him, inadequate awareness about available skills acquisition opportunities remains a major challenge, stressing the need for increased public enlightenment and government intervention to make such programmes accessible to young people.
“We believe that nobody can kill poverty. Another way we can also fight poverty is to create skills acquisition opportunities. Once you acquire a skill, you can put food on your table. People are not aware of the skills acquisition programmes and where they can get trained. Once you are properly trained and equipped with a skill, poverty is drastically reduced,” he said.
The CEDDI director urged the government to pay greater attention to vocational training and youth empowerment, adding that public awareness campaigns would help more people identify and access opportunities to acquire relevant skills.
He explained that the organisation had sustained its advocacy in Edo State over the years, calling on the government to establish accessible, free skills acquisition programmes for youths.
Omevbege further disclosed that CEDDI would extend the awareness campaign to the Edo State Government House to intensify its call for government support.
He also revealed that the organisation would mark its 15th anniversary in the coming weeks, adding that it had held 24 major positions and assisted 1,559 persons over the years.
The CEDDI director expressed appreciation to the NUJ for receiving the delegation and providing an opportunity to promote awareness of the initiative.
Receiving the rally participants on behalf of the State Council of NUUJ, the Financial Secretary of the Union, Mr. Lucky Ighomaye, commended the organisation for its efforts towards poverty reduction and youth empowerment.
Ighomaye assured the delegation that its message would be communicated to the council chairman, describing the collaboration between the union and CEDDI as a partnership that could contribute to the development of the state.
He added that increased awareness and support for free skills acquisition programmes would go a long way towards improving the livelihoods of young people and advancing development in Edo State.