Maryam Abacha urges youths to embrace vocational skills for self-reliance

Former First Lady Maryam Abacha has called on Nigerian youths to embrace vocational training and practical skills as a pathway to self-reliance amid rising unemployment.

Speaking on Friday at her residence during her investiture as Grand Matron of the MOP Stars FC Academy, Mrs. Abacha praised the football academy’s initiative in preparing young talent for the 2025 Dana World Youth Tournament in Denmark.

“As Nigeria grapples with a high unemployment rate, there is a need for young people to equip themselves with practical skills to become self-employed and contribute to national economic growth,” she said.

Highlighting her past work with the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), she urged policymakers and community leaders to expand vocational education. “We need more vocational schools now to train young people because the degree is no longer enough for our children,” Mrs. Abacha said. “It can be cooking, even sewing, hairdressing; there are a lot of things they can do to complement their formal education.”

She further recommended targeted support programmes such as the Family Economic Advancement Programme: “Our governments should also do more to support families. Give people money to start something, teach them how to produce and how to sell what they produce.”

Congratulating MOP Stars FC Academy on their achievement, she pledged her prayers and support. “Nigeria needs young people like you. You are not snatching phones, you are not killing people… continue to be good, continue to preach peace, unity,” she told the players ahead of their journey to Denmark.

Dr. Suleiman Adejoh, President of MOP Stars FC Academy, commended Mrs. Abacha’s selfless leadership and track record with peace and women’s programmes. “Her Excellency has planted something in this country that Nigerians are still benefiting from,” he said, noting that both the under-16 and under-19 teams would compete in the Dana tournament.