The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) says plans are underway to train 35 youths through its NECA Information Communication Technology (ICT) Academy on ICT skills.

NECA’s Director-General , Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

“The training covers areas such as International Computer Driving License, digital marketing, graphics design, and soft skills courses including Work Ethics, Etiquette, Emotional Intelligence, and Communication Skills.

“I encourage the new trainees to leverage this opportunity to enhance their employability and contribute to economic growth, “ he said.

The director-general said that the programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the critical competencies needed for self-employment and wealth creation.

He said also, it provided globally recognised certifications in computer and internet proficiency. Oyerinde said that youth unemployment remained a significant challenge in Nigeria.

He said, therefore, the need for youth empowerment strategies to address both labor supply and demand. According to him, these strategies include creating jobs and fostering an entrepreneurial environment.

“In response to the challenges of youth unemployment, NECA, in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund and various participating organisations, had established the NECA ICT Academy.

“Since inception of the programme, the academy has provided about 200 Nigerian youths with free, intensive ICT training,” he said.