Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau on Monday in Jos inaugurated the third phase of his empowerment scheme, called Simon Lalong Empowerment Scheme (SLEMS).

Lalong said at the inauguration that 4, 500 youths would participate in the various programmes of the scheme.

The governor further stated that many Plateau citizens, particularly youths and women, had benefited from the scheme, launched last year.

“Under the first phase, over 200 inputs were donated to the best three graduating participants across the various skills in all the 17 local government areas.

“The skills set include fashion design, leather works, hair dressing, computer, weaving and catering services,” he said.

Lalong stated that phase two of the scheme, Plateau State Micro Finance, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA) was inaugurated on July 13, 2017.

The governor said it commenced with the entrepreneurship development training programme for with youths and people with disability.

Lalong urged youths to embrace skills acquisition programmes whenever such opportunities come their way and shun social vices in the interest of their future.

“The era of relying on white-collar jobs is over, because the current global trend is that, self employment has pushed white-collar jobs to the background and we cannot afford to be left behind.

“This is why skills acquisition schemes have been introduced in secondary schools and even during the national youth service year as panacea for reducing over dependence on government for employment.”

Lalong presented starter packs to beneficiaries of the National Industrial Skills Programme (NISDP) where 200 people were trained in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The governor also presented a building plan to one Jerry Mallo, an indigene of the state who emerged overall winner at the MSME award in Abuja.

Lalong had promised to build a house for the overall winner in the scheme, adding that the building plan was an indication that the construction of the building would soon commence.

The governor also gave a tricycle and N150, 000 to Mrs Abigail Moses, a groundnut seller whom bought groundnuts from, recently, and promised to expand her business.

Mr Hagai Gutap, Director-General, PLASMEDA said that with the current empowerment initiative by the state government, youths restiveness would be addressed.

Gutap stated that the agency was committed to ensure the realisation of the desire of the state government to train and empower youths.

Some beneficiaries of the NISDP commended the governor for the starter packs and promised to start their businesses with the equipment, for self-reliance and to help their families. (NAN)