Newton, 2026. At a graduation ceremony attended by government officials, development partners, and youth leaders, over 450 returned migrants celebrated the successful completion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses at the Obasanjo Skills Acquisition Centre for Youth Development.
The training was provided as part of the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, which aims to provide returnees with practical skills that support sustainable livelihoods and facilitate reintegration into their communities. The courses at the youth-focused Centre covered a variety of trades aimed at improving employability and entrepreneurial capacity among young people returning from migration journeys.
Yayah Kamanda, Principal of the Centre, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the transformative role of skill development in rebuilding lives. He emphasised that vocational training gives vulnerable youth a tangible path to economic independence and social inclusion.
The ceremony brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Tejan Kella, Chairman of the National Youth Council; Pauline Macharia, Officer in Charge at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM); and N’fa Kargbo, Cooperation Officer at the European Union, who joined government representatives to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments.
Joseph Maada Lahai, Commissioner of the National Youth Commission, congratulated the cohort and highlighted the Obasanjo Skills Acquisition Centre’s unique status as an institution owned and oriented around youth sector priorities. He described the Centre as a living example of the Commission’s commitment to youth empowerment and development.
A significant announcement at the event revealed that the top 20 performers from this graduating class will be offered job placement opportunities with Leone Rock Metal Group, a move aimed at bridging the gap between skill training and traditional employment.
Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh praised the graduates’ perseverance and resilience during his keynote address, framing their success as an example of the redemptive power of second chances and structured support. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in skill development, job creation, and strategic partnerships to expand opportunities for young people across the country.
“This is more than just a graduation; it is a renewed sense of purpose. To every graduate here, I say this: hope is no longer ahead of you; it is right here with you. Minister Sannoh told the assembled audience, “Go ahead and build because your future has already begun.”
