The Society for Family Health (SFH) has said skills acquisition can improve health outcomes by strengthening livelihoods, building resilience and increasing access to healthcare.
The SFH Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Omokhude Idogho, said this in Kaduna at the flag-off of a three-month skills acquisition programme for 65 vulnerable women, adolescents and young people across the state.
The programme was organised by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in collaboration with SFH, with support from ViiV Healthcare Positive Action.
Idogho, represented by Dr Aisha Dadi, SFH Project Director, Paediatrics, Adolescent and Women Programme, said economic empowerment and health outcomes were closely connected, as people with sustainable livelihoods were more likely to prioritise their wellbeing.
Skills acquisition according to him, should therefore be viewed beyond employment, describing it as an important public health intervention capable of building resilience and restoring hope.
“When we equip young people and women with practical, marketable skills, we are not simply teaching them a trade,” Idogho said.
He explained that the beneficiaries would gain the confidence and capacity to earn livelihoods, support their families and make informed decisions, including decisions about their health.
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He also said financial stability could encourage people to seek healthcare when necessary, adhere to treatment and remain engaged with health systems.
Idogho said the 65 beneficiaries were selected across the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State and would undergo intensive practical training at various centres.
He urged the beneficiaries to attend all training sessions, ask questions, practise diligently and see themselves as architects of their futures.
Representing the NDE Director-General, Mr Silas Agara, the Kaduna State Coordinator, Mr Ambianto Francis, said unemployment remained a global challenge that required innovative approaches.
Agara said the partnership reflected the shared vision of NDE and SFH to create opportunities through practical skills that could enable beneficiaries to generate wealth.
He urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously, respect their trainers and acquire knowledge that would enable them to establish businesses and support their families.
“Skill acquisition is a path to greatness, whether you have a degree or not. Practical competence can open doors to economic independence,” he said.
Representing the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, Zainab Shehu commended SFH, NDE, facilitators and other stakeholders for empowering women and young people.
She said practical and entrepreneurial skills were essential for building confidence, promoting self-reliance and creating opportunities that could contribute to improved wellbeing.
She appealed to the trainers to patiently nurture the participants while maintaining discipline and ensuring that the three-month programme produced measurable results.
