By Mercy Obojeghren
Asaba – Some fashion designers in Asaba have advised Nigerian youths to embrace vocational education to reduce unemployment and enable them to contribute to the nation’s economic development.
The fashion designers gave the advice on Tuesday in separate interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba.
They noted that this would enable unemployed youths to be self-reliant and give the opportunity to develop their talents for the socio-economic progress of the country.
Mr Christian Edewor, a fashion designer in Asaba, stressed the need for youths without formal education to enroll for vocational training where they could acquire relevant skills to make them self-reliant.
‘‘Once you are equipped with vocational skills, you are more at an advantage because you can survive in the society and support economic development,’’ he said.
Miss Bukola Onitiri, another fashion designer, said ‘‘one of the easiest ways to survive in this present economy is to be self-employed and the only thing that can make you self employed is by acquiring vocational skills.’’
She, therefore, called on youths to take advantage of the opportunities provided by government at all levels, especially in technical and vocational institutions to develop themselves.
NAN reports that apart from the government empowerment programmes, which in most cases are free, most fashion home charge between N80,000 and N100,000 for apprenticeship training.
Some of the fashion home directors told NAN that the period of training varies from one year to two years depending on the trainee.
Mrs Ufuoma Idewu, a fashion designer, said, ‘‘For those coming for training for a period of one year, we charge them N100,000, while those coming on part time basis, pay N150,000 for a period of one year.’’ (NAN)