The Plateau State Youth Council (PYC), Riyom Local Government Area chapter, has flagged off its first-ever Skills Acquisition Summer Camp and Training for 50 participants, aimed at equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance, productivity and sustainable development.
The programme, held at the PYC temporary office, Hoss Junction (Makera), on Thursday, August 13, 2026, was organised under the theme “Building Skills, Building Riyom.” The initiative is expected to provide participating youths with skills that can improve their livelihoods and contribute to the development of the local government.
Speaking at the flag-off, the PYC Chairman, Riyom LGA, Comr. Zang Kefas, described the training as a new chapter in the council’s efforts to empower youths and promote self-reliance in the local government.
He said the initiative was designed to give young people practical skills on shoe making and tailoring that would enable them to become productive and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
“Today marks a new chapter for the youths of Riyom LGA. With the theme ‘Building Skills, Building Riyom’, this Skills Acquisition Summer Camp is our commitment to empower our young people for self-reliance, productivity, and sustainable development.”
Kefas appreciated the Executive Chairman of Riyom LGA, Hon. Da. Bature Sati Shuwa, for supporting the programme and serving as the Chief Sponsor and Special Guest of Honour.
“Sir, we thank you for your vision, support, and belief in the youths of Riyom. To our candidates, I urge you to take this training seriously. The skills you will acquire here will be the foundation for your future and for the growth of our LGA.”
He also appreciated youth leaders, stakeholders, trainers and participants for their support, urging the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity through learning, networking and active participation.
Declaring the training open, the Executive Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Hon. Sati Shuwa, represented by his Press Secretary, Hon. Damba Dang, commended the PYC for initiating the programme, describing youth empowerment as a key priority of the administration.
Dang said the chairman encouraged youths to come forward with innovative ideas, assuring them of the local government’s readiness to support initiatives that could promote self-reliance and community development.
“He appreciates the PYC for their visionary leadership and for picking up this idea. This has been the centre of his administration. He encourages youths to bring ideas that the local government can support.”
He urged the participants to take the training seriously, develop their skills and think beyond their immediate environment, noting that successful businesses often begin on a small scale.
“As you are going into shoe making, have a brand in your heart. You should have at the back of your mind that beyond Riyom, you are going to sell your products to Abuja and even beyond the shores of Nigeria.”
Dang also charged the participants to embrace discipline, resilience and diligence, stressing that skills acquisition, alongside formal education, could create opportunities for self-employment and open doors beyond the country.
Participants at the training expressed appreciation to the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) and the Riyom Local Government Council for the empowerment initiative, describing it as an opportunity to acquire practical skills and improve their livelihoods.
They promised to take the training seriously and make effective use of the skills acquired to become self-reliant and create employment opportunities for themselves and others.
