In a bid to restore livelihoods and provide sustainable economic recovery for victims of the Gamboru Market fire disaster, the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in collaboration with Ramat Polytechnic Consultancy and Investment Limited, Maiduguri, has commenced a two-week Skills Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Training.
The training, which is being held at the El-Kanemi Hall, Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, is targeted at traders and artisans who lost their means of livelihood to the inferno that gutted the popular Gamboru Market.
The programme is designed to go beyond relief support, by equipping beneficiaries with practical, income-generating skills and starter kits to help them rebuild their lives and businesses.
Three key vocational areas have been earmarked for the training
- Welding & Fabrication
- Tailoring (Upholstery)
- Carpentry
Speaking at the flag-off, representatives of the Commission Alhaji Muhammad Zarami said the intervention is part of NEDC’s mandate of facilitating recovery, reconstruction and sustainable development in the North-East region.
The training is being implemented by the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, with full support from the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).
The initiative with the theme: “Empowering fire disaster victims with practical skills, starter kits, and sustainable livelihood opportunities” is expected to provide beneficiaries with both theoretical and hands-on practical sessions, as well as post-training support.
Participants expressed gratitude to NEDC and the management of Ramat Polytechnic for the timely intervention, describing it as a lifeline that will help them regain economic independence after the devastating fire incident.
At the end of training beneficiaries receive certificates and starter packs.