Kalu Launches Skills Training for 150 Youths in Bende

On Monday, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, inaugurated a four-month skills development program in Bende, Abia State, targeting 150 youths. The initiative, titled “An Artisan Training on Building Projects,” is sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and facilitated by Family Homes Funds Limited, with backing from the Office of the Deputy Speaker.

Bende Local Government Area received the majority of slots, with 130 youths selected from its 13 Political Wards. The program is part of a pilot phase in Abia and Enugu states, running from August to November 2026, comprising two months of theoretical training followed by two months of practical training.

Kalu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the supporting organizations for their commitment to youth empowerment. He emphasized the importance of the program in equipping Nigeria's youthful population, which is projected to be a significant asset by 2050, and urged participants to remain dedicated to completing the training for future job opportunities.