Nigeria: Govt Expands Poverty Reduction Programme to Oyo, Enugu, Kebbi

What the report says

Nigeria’s federal government has widened its National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy to Oyo, Enugu and Kebbi states, extending a skills-and-entrepreneurship initiative that officials say is meant to help young people gain practical training and move into self-employment. The report, published by Leadership and distributed by AllAfrica, said the programme is being run through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education.

According to the article, the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is linked to a broader goal of helping lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over 10 years through growth and targeted social protection. Dr Abiola Arogundade, the presidential aide overseeing the programme, said the administration sees youths as key to solving national challenges rather than as a burden.

The piece said the scheme began with a pilot in Abuja on 30 June 2025, where trainees received instruction in areas such as cybersecurity, web development and solar energy installation. Officials described that phase as successful and said it drew more than 7,000 applications. Participants in the pilot reportedly received laptops and certificates after completing training.

For the new phase, each zone will host about 200 trainees in sessions lasting 10 days to two weeks, with a combined 1,200 youths expected to benefit initially. Courses will vary by state and local demand, including graphics and AI design, fashion, makeup, solar installation, agriculture and yoghurt making. The report said trainees will also receive starter kits, and it noted that the government is seeking support from state authorities, traditional leaders and private-sector groups as the programme expands.