No fewer than 45 youths and residents of Pankshin North Local Government Area of Plateau State have successfully completed a one-year vocational skills acquisition programme sponsored by Rt. Hon. K. Dewan Gabriel under his Positive Impact Agenda.
The beneficiaries are set to graduate on Saturday, June 13, after undergoing intensive training in various practical and income-generating skills, including tiling, POP installation, welding, tailoring, hairdressing, and other vocational trades designed to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The empowerment programme, which follows the successful graduation of previous batches, is aimed at equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to become economically independent and productive members of society.
Speaking on the initiative, Rt. Hon. K. Dewan Gabriel emphasized that youth empowerment remains one of the most effective ways of addressing unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship affecting many communities.
According to him, the objective of the programme is not merely to provide training but to raise entrepreneurs, employers of labour, and responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of their communities.
He noted that seeing beneficiaries transition from job seekers to skilled professionals and business owners remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of the programme.
“In these challenging economic times, investing in human capital development is one of the surest ways of restoring hope, reducing dependency, and creating sustainable opportunities for our people. Our commitment remains to continue empowering more youths and improving lives across Pankshin North,” he stated.
The programme forms part of the broader Positive Impact Agenda championed by Rt. Hon. K. Dewan Gabriel, which focuses on youth development, human capital advancement, and grassroots empowerment.
Community leaders, stakeholders, and beneficiaries have commended the initiative, describing it as a practical intervention that is helping to reduce unemployment and create sustainable livelihoods for young people in the area.
Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the programme through the next phase of the Positive Impact Agenda, with plans to empower more youths and extend development opportunities to additional communities across the constituency.
The graduation ceremony is expected to attract community leaders, stakeholders, families, and well-wishers who will gather to celebrate the achievements of the beneficiaries and the positive impact of the initiative on the lives of the people of Pankshin North.