Mr Victor Okhai, Founder, International Film and Broadcast Academy (IFBA), has urged youths in the country to learn skills to achieve self-sustainability.

He said this would reduce the unemployment rate among the youth and develop the national economy as well as enhance self-reliance among them.

Okhai said this on the sideline of the conclusion of a five-day training of 100 up-and-coming photographers on the art of photography.

The training took place at the Academy centre in Surulere and it was sponsored by Access Bank.

He explained that the training would enhance skills of the participants and also help in filling the void of inadequate skills acquisition amongst the youth.

“We are training 100 photographers on the techniques of photography, as this is part of our mandate to offer free training to over 20 million people around the continent.

“Skills acquisition is very important as it plugs different holes and ensures that people can explore and use their skills set to use.

“We have been doing this type of training over the years and we are committed to ensuring that we empower the masses through these means and give people the platform to enhance and put their skills into use,” he said.

Okhia, who is also the President of Director Guild of Nigeria (DGN), revealed that the participants of the training were selected from faith-based organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and advert placement of Facebook.

He said that 2000 people in each state would be empowered before the half of the year, adding that collaborations with the Federal Government and NGOs will aid in spreading the outreach.

“We plan to spread the outreach to other parts of state as that is part of our mandate. So, collaboration with the government and its agencies would help us do more.

“We remain committed to ensuring that we play our part in ensuring that we impact the lives of the people through empowerment programme as this,” he said.

Mr Michael Adeyinka, one of the participants who is also a person of disability, applauded the training noting that it would help developing a new skill.

Adeyinka who is a Disc Jockey by profession, urged the Federal Government to enlighten people about the impacts on stigmatization on people with disabilities.

“I’m very glad I was able to this training as I was always interested in enhancing my skills in photography so this was a great opportunity for me.

“I learnt a lot of things over the course of the training so I’m glad that I participated in it as I plan to put what I have learnt into practice.

“The government need to enlighten people about the negative effects that stigmatization has on people with disabilities because a lot of people are ignorant about this.

“People with disabilities didn't choose to become this way, it just happened to people so we should be mocked or insulted about it as it is really disheartening.” He said.

Abaji Yahaja, an actress and movie producer said the training would help in improving her photography skills as she has always known the basics about it.

She added that the knowledge gained from the training would help in expanding her photography studio.

“This is a welcome development as I have been looking for ways to enhance my photography skills so this came at a perfect time.

“I also plan to use the skill I have to expand my photo studio and also use it to empower people so the ripple effect of this training is quite positive.” She said.