The International Centre for Development Affairs (ICDA) held its latest Vocational and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (VEDC) convocation ceremony, marking a milestone in the organisation's mission to empower Nigerians with practical, market-ready skills. Two hundred graduates received certificates across seven trade areas — electrical installation and solar systems, catering and hospitality, fashion design and tailoring, building and construction technology, computer operations, hairdressing and beauty, and soap and detergents manufacturing. Representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the state ministries of education and economic development graced the occasion, underscoring the institutional importance of the VEDC to Nigeria's economic development agenda. Dr Osita Aniemeka, Director of ICDA, addressed graduates with characteristic directness: "You have not just acquired a skill today. You have acquired the power to create. The power to employ. The power to feed your family and contribute to your community without waiting for any government to hand you a job. Use it wisely." Several graduates shared testimonials about the transformative impact of their training. One participant, a 26-year-old woman from Asaba who completed the fashion design track, described how she had already received her first client order before graduation day. Another, a school leaver from Warri who trained in electrical installation and solar systems, spoke about landing a contract to wire a new residential development in his community. The VEDC currently operates centres in Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa States under the Central Bank of Nigeria's mandate. New cohorts begin quarterly. Interested candidates can enrol online at icdaglobal.ng or visit any VEDC centre directly.
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