The Adamawa State Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) has commenced a statewide needs assessment exercise for its Technical Skills Acquisition Programme, covering all 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Launched under the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the initiative is designed to tackle unemployment, reduce poverty, and equip young people with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills that will promote economic self-reliance.
The exercise aims to assess successful candidates and align their interests, abilities, and career aspirations with appropriate vocational training programmes tailored to their individual profiles.
Speaking on the implementation of the initiative, PAWECA Director-General Dr. Michael Zira reaffirmed the agency's commitment to ensuring that beneficiaries receive relevant, market-driven skills capable of improving their livelihoods and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
As part of efforts to ensure effective implementation, Dr. Zira visited the Jimeta training centre, where he inspected the ongoing assessment exercise and interacted with candidates and officials. During the visit, he monitored the assessment process and emphasised the importance of proper coordination, transparency, and effective placement of beneficiaries into suitable training programmes.
The initiative covers a broad range of technical and vocational fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Tailoring, and other specialised trades designed to respond to emerging economic opportunities.
The programme is expected to provide thousands of Adamawa residents with opportunities to acquire practical skills, establish businesses, improve their earning capacity, and contribute meaningfully to the state's economic development.
The statewide exercise forms part of the Fintiri administration's broader commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable wealth creation.
With assessment activities taking place across all 21 LGAs, PAWECA aims to ensure wider access to skills development opportunities, particularly for young people seeking alternatives to unemployment and economic dependence.
The agency's latest intervention is expected to strengthen Adamawa State's vocational training system and support the emergence of a new generation of skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and self-reliant citizens.