Millennium Africa Global Initiative Graduates Youths, Women in Skills to be Self Reliant in Niger State

By YM Bina

Millennium Africa Global Initiative (MAGI) has graduated a new set of youths trained in Catering and Cosmetology and simultaneously flagged off a new batch of trainees during a colorful empowerment programme held in Minna, Niger State.

The event, which attracted community leaders, stakeholders, development partners, board members, and beneficiaries, marked another significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to youth and women empowerment through vocational and entrepreneurial skills development.

Speaking at the occasion, the National Coordinator of Millennium Africa Global Initiative, Amb. Marshal John Okoro, expressed appreciation to all guests and supporters who attended the programme.

He announced the appointment of the new Board Chairman and members of the organization, noting that their wealth of experience would further strengthen the vision and mission of the Initiative.

According to Amb. Marshal John Okoro, the event represents the fourth major programme organized by Millennium Africa Global Initiative in 2026.

“Today is a special day for our organization. We are celebrating the graduation of trainees who have successfully completed their training in Catering and Cosmetology. At the same time, we are flagging off a new batch of trainees who will benefit from our empowerment programmes. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to equipping young people and women with practical skills that can help them become self-reliant and contribute positively to society.”

He further reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youths and women through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and community-based empowerment programmes.

Representing the Board of Trustees, Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi commended the management of the organization for its dedication to human capital development.

He appreciated all guests for coming to witness the impact the Initiative is making across communities and encouraged the graduating beneficiaries to utilize the skills they had acquired to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.

“The knowledge and skills you have gained should not end here. Use them to establish businesses, create opportunities, and become role models in your communities,” he advised.

Also speaking at the event, Alhaji Suleiman Bala Annu, who was recently re-appointed as a Board Member, was represented by Alhaji Adamu. In his remarks, he conveyed his principal’s appreciation for the outstanding work being carried out by Millennium Africa Global Initiative.

He noted that Alhaji Suleiman Bala Annu remains proud of the organization’s achievements and would continue supporting its vision of empowering youths and women across Niger State.

“The empowerment of young people and women remains one of the most effective ways of reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development. The graduates should make good use of these skills and become ambassadors of positive change,” he said.

Several dignitaries seated at the high table also praised the organization for its consistency in community development and youth empowerment. They encouraged the management not to relent in its efforts to uplift vulnerable groups and provide opportunities for self-development.

Some of the graduating beneficiaries, while sharing their experiences, expressed profound gratitude to Millennium Africa Global Initiative for providing them with the opportunity to acquire life-changing skills.

They pledged to apply the knowledge gained productively and contribute to the development of their communities.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of special recognition awards to outstanding individuals for their contributions to youth and community development.

The recipients included: Abdulrazak Yusuf Muhammad, Ikechukwu Okoro, Bako Wakili Bosso respectively. The awardees were honored with the title of “Pillars of Youth and Community Development” in recognition of their dedication and contributions to societal growth, youth empowerment, and community development.

The programme concluded with the official flag-off of a new training batch, reaffirming Millennium Africa Global Initiative’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youths and women, reducing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering sustainable community development across Niger State and beyond.