By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
As part of efforts to curb unemployment and youth restiveness in Nigeria’s oil-rich communities, Top Private Security Services Nigeria Limited has applauded the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for sponsoring the training and empowerment of 100 youths drawn from oil-producing states across the country.
The youths are currently undergoing intensive vocational training in make-up artistry, manicure and pedicure, barbing, and dreadlocks styling at the Top Private Academy in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking with journalists during a monitoring visit to the training venue, Executive Vice Chairman of Top Private Security Services, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), described the initiative as a strategic move to redirect the mindset of Nigerian youths from dependency to productivity.
“Nigeria has done something useful through this training empowerment. These young people should be thinking more about what they can do for themselves, not what the country can do for them,” Nesiama said.
He emphasized that Nigeria urgently needs a reset, starting with reshaping the mindset of its youths.
“The nation right now requires a reset, and the minds of our young people drifting as they are must first be set before we talk about a national reset,” he said.
Commodore Nesiama stressed that the overreliance on white collar jobs, most of which are either unavailable or unfulfilling, must be addressed by empowering young Nigerians with high-demand, self-sustaining skills.
“We need to stop pointing young people toward white collar jobs that don’t exist. Some civil servants are doing absolutely nothing. These skills we’re offering can help them be self-reliant and independent of anyone.”
He added that Top Private Security Services Nigeria partnered with NCDMB to deliver the ongoing training programme, which is part of a broader national effort to combat crime by providing youths with positive engagement.
“When young people are not positively engaged, crime becomes an alternative. This training is offering a new direction for 100 youths who will now become useful to themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the NCDMB, Festus Erubore, the training manager representing Engr. Harmony Kunu and the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, described the training as a “high-selling opportunity” that will enable participants to become self-employed and steer clear of criminal activities.
“This programme is about giving our youths a skill that sells, a skill that lifts them from the shadows of unemployment. When they are engaged, they become valuable not just to themselves, but to society.”
Some of the beneficiaries expressed their appreciation and excitement over the impact of the programme.
Police Ekuvierhe, a participant learning barbing and dreadlocks styling, said, “So far, so good. We’ve learnt a lot already and there’s still more to come. This training will really help me support myself and my family. I’m grateful.”
Awere Florence Omowumi, learning manicure and pedicure, said the experience has been rewarding. “It has benefited me in so many ways. I thank Top Private Security Services and NCDMB for giving us this opportunity.”
Another participant, Germany Tejiri, training in make-up, shared her enthusiasm. “The training has been very interesting. I’ve learnt a lot and I’m thankful to the organizers for this opportunity.”
Our correspondent reports that the training programme continues in Warri, with the hope that the 100 empowered youths will soon emerge as entrepreneurs and agents of positive change in their communities.