By Abdul Kareem
The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has on Saturday March 2, celebrated the graduation of 60 skilled youths from its intensive training program electricity linemen.
The atmosphere was filled with a sense of hope, ambition, and excitement for the future as beneficiaries of the program expressed their optimism and determination as they prepared to step into their new roles as linesmen.
Hadiza Mohammed, a graduate from Borno state, radiated enthusiasm as she shared her experience and aspirations.
“The training was incredibly helpful for me. I gained valuable knowledge both theoretically and technically in power distribution courses. It was a transformative moment, and I want to encourage my fellow graduates to pursue their dreams with determination and focus,” she said.
Rabiu Musa, hailing from Yobe state, echoed the sentiment of pride and gratitude for the opportunity presented to him.
“To me, this program is not just training but a lifelong investment and a gateway to a promising career. I am thrilled to have graduated and am grateful for the employment opportunity. Throughout the course, I learned essential skills in maintaining crucial transformers for 33 and 11 distribution, preparing me for the challenges ahead.”
Earlier, the NEDC’s Managing Director Mohammed Goni-Alkali, emphasized the significance of the graduates’ achievements and highlighted the support provided by Mainstream Academy and the Yola DISCO in shaping their success.
The commitment to ensuring immediate employment and financial assistance for the graduates reflects the Commission’s dedication to fostering a skilled workforce and driving regional development through empowerment and education.
NEDC’s Executive Director of Administration and Finance, Abubakar Garba Iliya, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, lauding the graduates for their perseverance and highlighting the vital role of skill sets in both personal growth and societal contribution.
Iliya extended his congratulations to the resilient youths, urging them to persist in seeking avenues for professional enhancement. He expressed sincere appreciation for the pivotal contribution of Mainstream Academy in nurturing the trainees and thanked the families for their unwavering support.
The NEDC’s partnership with Mainstream Academy has been a game-changer, offering not just training but immediate employment to those who meet the required standards. Skepticism turned to satisfaction as the NEDC Managing Director recounted the initial doubts that transformed into a successful reality.
“We thought it was a marketing gimmick,” the MD admitted. “But today, reality speaks for itself.”
“Each graduate is now stepping into a new chapter,” with the NEDC MD emphasizing the necessity for professionalism and discipline in their future roles. In an impressive commitment to their ongoing success, the NEDC has promised a generous start-up stipend to each graduate. This stipend of N250,000 will be disbursed in two stages, ensuring a solid financial foundation as they embark on their careers.
The NEDC MD said his agency will monitor the progress of the graduates and provide further support underscoring the depth of investment in the futures of the young professionals.
The Humanitarian Times 