As part of efforts to equip corps members with skills that can enable them become entrepreneurs and employers of labour rather than jobseekers, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos State has partnered with Bakery Initiatives Group to train interested corps members in baking and bakery entrepreneurial skills.
At the opening ceremony for the training programme at the BI Bakery Academy in Yaba, Lagos, Albert Aronni, NYSC coordinator in the state, enjoined participating corps members to seize the opportunity to widen their horizon and learn about baking because bakery business has over the years proved to be lucrative and an employer of a large number of people.
Aronni, who was represented by Dorapo Odulana, lauded Bakery Initiatives Group for the kind gesture to impact positively on the young graduates.
“The initiative will help ensure that participating corps members become productive in the society without being dependent on others for employment,” he said.
He called on other skill-based organisations to follow in the footsteps of Bakery Initiatives Group and partner with the agency to equip new graduates with skills that can make them self-employed and keep them away from vices and crime after their service year.
Ephraim Mbanaso, country representative and CEO, Bakery Initiatives Nigeria, appreciated the opportunity to work with the NYSC to impact the youths in a positive way.
Mbanaso explained that the training was aimed at addressing “dearth of well-groomed and professional bakers” which is one vital area of need his company identified in the course of interacting with bakery operators in Nigeria over the years.
Nike Richie-Ogbodu, director and head of BI Bakery Academy, informed participants that the programme was in line with BIG’s philosophy that has identified well-trained and grounded people as an essential pillar for the success of any bakery business.
“The idea behind the training is centred on skill acquisition for all categories of human resources needed for the effective and efficient running of bakery businesses,” she said.
The one-week training programme saw the participants trained on various aspects of bakery, such as bakery technology and practice of baking of bread, cakes and pastries with special emphasis on recipes, effects of basic ingredients, cost calculations, among others.
The initiative, which has technical and funding support from BMZ/develoPPP.de BIG, promises to be an annual event.
