World Youth Skills Day 2026: AHIP Urges Young People to Acquire Lifelong Skills for Self-Reliance

The Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP) has called on youth to embrace skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance, economic empowerment and sustainable development, stressing that practical skills remain one of the most valuable assets anyone can possess.

As the world marks World Youth Skills Day 2026 under the theme,”Skills for a shared future.” AHIP noted that the rapid transformation of the global economy requires youth to equip themselves with relevant technical, vocational, entrepreneurial and digital skills that will enable them to compete, innovate and thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

AHIP described skills as a lifelong treasure that cannot be stolen, exhausted or diminished. Unlike money, which can be spent, or jobs that may be lost, skills remain with an individual for life and can always serve as a source of income, resilience and opportunity.

The NGO observed that many successful entrepreneurs and professionals started with a single skill and gradually built sustainable businesses.

According to AHIP, investing in skills is one of the most effective strategies for addressing youth unemployment, poverty and social inequality.

The NGO noted that in today’s evolving labour market, employers increasingly value competence, creativity, innovation and problem-solving abilities alongside academic qualifications, making continuous learning and skills development indispensable

AHIP therefore urged governments, educational institutions, development partners, the private sector and community leaders to expand access to quality technical, vocational and digital skills programmes, particularly for adolescents and young people including girls and other vulnerable groups.

Such investments, AHIP said, are essential for unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s youthful population and accelerating national development.

The NGO also encouraged young people to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning by taking advantage of available opportunities for vocational training, internships, mentorship, entrepreneurship development and digital literacy.

AHIP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting adolescent development, youth empowerment and inclusive opportunities through advocacy, capacity building and community-based interventions.

Signed:
Dr. Mairo V. Bello
Executive Director
AHIP