FG trains 700 Oyo youths in AI, vocational skills, targets five million Nigerians for poverty reduction

The Federal Government has trained 700 young people in Oyo State in artificial intelligence, graphics design and vocational skills as part of an expanded poverty-reduction programme.

The intervention forms part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy and is intended to contribute to the government’s target of moving about five million Nigerians out of poverty over the next four years.

The programme ran from September 28 to October 9, 2026, with participants receiving training as well as equipment intended to help them earn income or establish businesses.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vococational and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade, said the programme was designed to give beneficiaries practical skills and tools that could support economic independence.

Of the 700 participants, 30 received specialised training in artificial intelligence and graphics design, while 85 were trained in make-up artistry and another 85 in fashion design. A further 500 participants were earmarked to receive digital devices to support their participation in the digital economy.

Beneficiaries received equipment including laptops, sewing machines, make-up kits and tablets, depending on their areas of training.

Arogundade urged participants to build sustainable businesses with the skills and equipment they received and, where possible, pass their knowledge on to others in their communities.

The programme’s graduation ceremony was held at the University of Ibadan on Friday