The Federal Government has announced the disbursement of N100 billion to train at least 20 million artisans across Nigeria. The initiative aims to empower artisans to become self-reliant and create jobs, reducing dependency on white-collar employment.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, revealed this during a media briefing in Abuja. He explained that part of the funding would focus on instilling work ethics among beneficiaries.
Issa-Onilu stated, “We have identified and partnered with the Artisanal Association of Nigeria to train 20 million artisans. A curriculum will be developed to upskill them, reducing the need to import skilled workers from other countries. The government has committed N100 billion for this purpose. The NOA’s role is not just about imparting skills but also shaping their attitudes toward work and customer relations.”
In addition, the federal government plans to moderate cartoon content to include 70% local themes, fostering national values. According to Issa-Onilu, cartoons have exposed Nigerian children, particularly those aged 1 to 16, to foreign influences over the years.
This initiative is part of the NOA’s seven institutional policies, which include:
- Nationalisation of cartoon animation.
- Integration of citizenship studies into the educational curriculum for children and youths aged 7 to 18.
- Establishment of citizen brigades in primary and secondary schools.
- A global reputational management campaign to improve Nigeria’s image.
- Orientation programmes for elected and appointed government officials.
- Incorporation of value orientation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
- Reintroduction and promotion of national symbols.
Issa-Onilu further detailed the citizen brigades, which will commence this year with 37,000 members—1,000 in each state and the Federal Capital Territory. Modeled after groups like the Boy Scouts and Girl Brigades, these brigades aim to instill leadership and moral values in participants.
Regarding the global reputational management campaign, Issa-Onilu explained, “The agency will carry out strategic communication, branding, and crisis management to promote Nigeria’s values, redeem our image, and enhance international perception of the country.”
These comprehensive efforts are designed to foster patriotism, strengthen national identity, and position Nigeria positively on the global stage.
