By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times] September 29, 2026.
APGA House of Reps flagbearer proposes AI training, sports, vocational skills to tackle youth unemployment
Hon. Fanuel D. Lawrence, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flagbearer for the House of Representatives seat representing Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna Federal Constituency, has unveiled plans to establish three Youth Konekt and Tech Hubs across the constituency to empower young people through technology, sports, entertainment and vocational skills.
According to him, the proposed hubs would be equipped with facilities such as five-a-side football pitches, basketball and badminton courts, table tennis and snooker facilities, alongside workspaces and training academies for young people.
Lawrence said the initiative was informed by the need to address the economic challenges facing Taraba State, citing figures in his statement which put the state's internally generated revenue at N28.16 billion in 2025, compared with N406.77 billion reportedly generated by Enugu State in the same period.
He argued that the state's revenue challenges could be addressed by creating opportunities for young people to secure high-paying jobs, particularly in the technology sector, noting that increased incomes would stimulate local businesses, household spending and tax revenue.
The APGA flagbearer identified artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, fintech engineering, software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, product design and digital marketing as some of the skills his proposed programme would prioritise.
He cited projections attributed to the World Economic Forum indicating growing global demand for technology-related skills, adding that Nigerian youths trained in these areas could access remote employment opportunities with international companies while living and spending their earnings within Taraba State.
Lawrence projected that training 500 youths annually, with one in five securing remote employment at an assumed monthly income of 2,500 dollars, could generate substantial income for the local economy. He estimated that 100 beneficiaries could collectively earn three million dollars annually, with the amount potentially reaching 15 million dollars yearly after five successive training cohorts, subject to the programme's actual employment outcomes.
He added that beneficiaries who do not secure remote jobs would still be equipped to establish businesses, provide digital services to local firms and train other young people, thereby expanding the constituency's skills base.
Lawrence described the proposed Youth Konekt and Tech Hubs as centres for talent discovery, skills development and economic transformation, expressing optimism that the initiative could contribute to building a more productive youth population and strengthening Taraba's economy.
He called on youths in Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna to embrace skills acquisition, innovation and entrepreneurship as pathways to economic independence and sustainable development.
The proposed initiative forms part of Lawrence's vision as APGA flagbearer for the Gashaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
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