Presidency Launches Groundbreaking Partnership to Empower Nigerians Through Capacity Development

 

ABUJA – In a significant move to bolster national development and foster economic resilience, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development has entered into a strategic alliance with Stability and Sustenance, a homegrown EdTech platform renowned for its work in human capital development.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr. Sadiq Rabiu, the Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development, unveiled the new partnership as a crucial component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The collaboration, he said, marks a new phase in the administration’s flagship initiative — the National Capacity Development Training Initiative — aimed at training and equipping one million Nigerians with critical skills by 2025.

“This is a bold national effort to create pathways for economic self-reliance, inspire entrepreneurship, and unlock the full potential of Nigerian citizens,” Rabiu announced. “The partnership with Stability and Sustenance is a powerful step forward in making this vision a reality.”

The Capacity Development Initiative spans Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and focuses on equipping participants with market-relevant, future-proof skills. The programme is designed not only to enhance individual capability but also to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

Highlighting the impact of the programme, Rabiu emphasized the thematic areas targeted by the initiative, which include skill monetisation, digital and soft skills for the modern workforce, agricultural value chains, MSME growth, and technology application — including artificial intelligence. Other key areas include entrepreneurship training, innovation hub development, and strategic capacity building tailored to local and global economic shifts.

“These areas were not randomly selected. They reflect the actual needs of Nigerians and the requirements of a fast-evolving global economy,” Rabiu said.

As part of the awareness campaign, Rabiu spotlighted success stories already emerging from the initiative. Among the highlighted individuals is John Edom, an eco-conscious entrepreneur who creatively repurposes waste into functional art and fashion items — a move that not only protects the environment but also generates income. Another standout is Chisom Afiukwa, a fibre artist who celebrates Nigerian heritage through handmade rugs and wearable artwork, thereby turning her craft into a thriving business.

“These young innovators are the embodiment of Nigeria’s creative potential. They prove that with the right support, we can turn raw talent into real impact,” Rabiu noted.

He described the collaboration with Stability and Sustenance as transformative. “They bring innovation, a deep connection to the grassroots, and a genuine passion for community upliftment. Together, we are not just training individuals; we are reigniting hope and providing the tools to rebuild lives and communities.”

The Special Assistant also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusivity in the programme’s rollout, stating that his office is actively engaging with relevant ministries, private sector players, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure that no region is left behind.

Joining Rabiu at the briefing was Mr. Melody Okwuazu, Founder of Stability and Sustenance. He affirmed the organisation’s readiness to support the government’s goals, revealing that their platform has already made significant inroads.

“We’ve engaged over 20,000 students in recent outreach efforts across three states and maintain a database of over 400,000 SMEs nationwide,” Okwuazu said. “Our mission is to help the government identify and reach those who will truly benefit — not just in numbers, but in real impact.”

He added that the EdTech platform’s work goes beyond technology. “We are driven by a purpose to build human capital and ensure that this initiative does not fade after the headlines. This is about long-term transformation,” he said.

Both Rabiu and Okwuazu concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders — from civil society to corporate leaders and local communities — to join forces in building a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready Nigeria.

“This initiative is not just about training. It’s about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and giving every Nigerian a chance to thrive,” Rabiu said.