The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB) have called for increased investment in technology-driven skills acquisition as a strategic response to youth unemployment and rising social vices in Nigeria.
The call was made at the official opening of the NASRDA/Grassroots Bridge Builders Skills Development Project held at the Women Development Centre in Abuja. The event attracted a large number of young Nigerians seeking practical empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive of Grassroots Bridge Builders, Engr. Ibrahim Moses Igoche, urged governments at all levels, the private sector and development partners to intensify support for skills acquisition initiatives. He described youth empowerment as a critical pathway to economic stability and sustainable national development.
According to Igoche, Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population can only be transformed into a productive national asset through access to relevant, technology-enabled skills that match the demands of a changing global economy.
He noted that the GBB empowerment platform has helped many youths transition from the streets into profitable ventures by equipping them with practical skills. He added that such initiatives have proven effective in curbing drug abuse and other social vices.
“Skills acquisition remains one of the most powerful tools for changing negative narratives among vulnerable youths, while unlocking their hidden potential for national growth,” Igoche said, urging young Nigerians to believe in the country and channel their energy into meaningful pursuits.
He also commended government agencies and partners supporting the initiative, paying tribute to the Director-General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, whom he described as a visionary leader committed to youth empowerment and national transformation.
In his remarks, Dr Adepoju said skills acquisition goes beyond job creation, describing it as a catalyst for innovation, dignity and holistic societal development. He was represented at the event by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr Felix Ale.
Dr Adepoju explained that equipping young people with relevant and practical skills positions them as active contributors to national development and drivers of innovation, particularly in science- and technology-related fields.
He stressed that skills development is central to NASRDA’s mandate, especially in leveraging space-based resources and science-driven solutions to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. According to him, empowering youths with technology-focused skills aligns with the agency’s vision of sustainable national progress.
The NASRDA chief also praised the Grassroots Bridge Builders initiative for its commitment and patriotic outlook, assuring the organisers of the agency’s continued support for programmes that enable young Nigerians to maximise their potential and play meaningful roles in nation-building.
While applauding the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises empowerment, innovation and inclusive growth, Dr Adepoju reaffirmed NASRDA’s resolve to design and implement initiatives that align with national development objectives.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (rtd), urged youths to shun drug-related activities and embrace skills acquisition as a sustainable path to personal and societal development.
Represented by the NDLEA Secretary, Barrister Shedrach Haruna, Marwa described skills acquisition programmes as effective platforms for redirecting youthful energy towards creativity, productivity and long-term economic relevance.
Participants at the event said the initiative reflects a growing consensus among public institutions and civil society organisations that technology-driven skills development is essential for building a resilient, innovative and inclusive Nigerian economy.
