Maryamu and Yakubu Skills Development and Education Foundation
The Maryamu and Yakubu Skills Development and Education Foundation, named in honor of the late parents of Engr. Andrew Yakubu, the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment in Ung Wakili, Zon Zon, Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State. Established in 2014, the foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of youths, women and the elderly through comprehensive skills training and educational support and other interventions.
Aim and Objectives
The foundation aims to:
- Provide structured training programs that equip individuals with essential skills.
- Enhance the socio-economic status of the community through vocational education.
- Empower women and youth, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Contribute to community development and environmental sustainability.
Activities and Interventions
The Maryamu and Yakubu Skills Development and Education Foundation has undertaken numerous activities and interventions to uplift its immediate community:
- Vocational Training: The foundation offers structured training in various trade areas, including construction-related skills, ICT, hospitality, fashion, and agriculture and agro-allied sectors. These programs are based on the National Skills Qualification Framework, ensuring they are recognized by the government.
- Agricultural Empowerment: Recognizing the importance of agriculture, the foundation has trained youths in Kaduna State in irrigation and dry season farming. Beneficiaries of these programs receive startup kits to help them begin their agricultural ventures. Additionally, the foundation provides high yielding seeds, seedlings and fertilizers to rural farmers to boost agricultural practices.
- Support for Widows: The foundation has made significant contributions to the ECWA Widows School in Samaru by donating a two hundred bed storey building hostel, sewing machines and other training equipment, enhancing the school’s capacity to empower widows through vocational skills.
- Climate Change Mitigation: In its efforts to combat climate change, the foundation has initiated tree-planting projects in rural areas. This initiative not only helps in environmental conservation but also promotes sustainable living practices.
- Educational Scholarships: Committed to education, the foundation offers scholarships to less privileged individuals, enabling them to pursue their academic goals and improve their future prospects.
- Housing and Shelter: Addressing the need for adequate housing, the foundation has constructed homes for the needy, providing shelter and security to vulnerable families in the community.
- Solar Energy Projects: To enhance the quality of life in rural areas, the foundation has provided solar energy solutions, including solar street lights, ensuring that these communities have access to reliable and sustainable energy sources.
- Health care services: Provision of test and treatment for persons with eye problem, provision of free counselling services to people with stigma prone illnesses and payment for surgeries and medicines to people who can not afford.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The foundation’s success is bolstered by its strategic partnerships with government agencies and other organizations. Notably, the foundation collaborates with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). These partnerships ensure that the training programs are of high quality and meet national standards, thereby enhancing the employability of the trainees.
In conclusion, the Maryamu and Yakubu Skills Development and Education Foundation is a testament to the enduring legacy of Engr. Andrew Yakubu’s parents. Through its diverse programs and unwavering commitment to community development, the foundation continues to transform lives, foster economic independence, and contribute to the sustainable development of Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.