A German-based Nigeria Artist, Chielo Ojirika, is to organise skills acquisition training for youths in Kogi State under the initiative: “Finger Off the Trigger – Violence is Stoppable, Peace is Possible’’.
Ojirika, also known as ‘Chiboy the Black Courage’, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, saying that the training will be held for five days in Lokoja.
He said that it was part of the initiative’s ongoing nationwide security, peace and stability campaign ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“The general public needs to be enlightened, especially the youth, on peaceful and violence-free elections.
“Thus, the need for these basic skills that will positively engage them towards sustainable peace, growth and development.
“Especially as a stabilised Nigeria means a stabilised Africa and by extension, the world,” the artist said.
He said that the campaign was intended to benefit thousands of youths across the state.
According to him, the programme will feature professional facilitators cutting across security agencies and vocational trainers from within and outside the country.
“Participants will benefit from various skills acquisition and vocational training in selected areas including peace and conflict resolutions, website development, video and photography.
“Others are crime prevention and community security, music and film production, Plaster of Paris (POP) and screeding, graphic design, among others,” Ojirika said.
According to him, the campaign which is focused on security, peaceful focused coexistence, tolerance and patriotism also centres on attitudinal change, economic empowerment and good governance.
“It is being organised in collaboration with Salute Nigeria Initiative, Dream Projects, National Orientation Agency and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
“Other collaborators are Voice of Nigeria and Innovative Edge Solutions with the support of the State House, Abuja,” the artist said.
He said that as part of efforts to ensure the success of the campaign in the state, “Finger off the Trigger’’ was also partnering the Nigeria Police Force.
Ojirika said that he led the team with the National Coordinator and Director of Programmes, Mr Ibrahim Ochigbo, and other team members to visit the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Mr Ali Janga.
The Commissioner of Police was quoted as having lauded the initiative in the statement, saying it is timely.
Janga said that the uniqueness of the programme would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Police to secure lives and properties.
The Commissioner said it would also help in the disarmament campaign of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris.
He assured the team that the Command would ensure the success of the programme in the state.
(NAN)
