SPEECH DELIVERED BY SHEIKH ALHAJI ABDUR RASHID NII

ANYETEI ODOI ATSEM, LA DADE-KOTOPON MUNICIPAL CHIEF

IMAM ON SATURDAY, 15TH DECEMBER, 2018 AT THE 10TH
GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE EXECUTIVE HANDS TRAINING
INSTITUTE HELD AT NGLESHIE AMANFRO, KINGS TOWN ON THE
THEME “THE IMPORTANCE OF SKILLS ACQUISITION”

INTRODUCTION & SALUTATION

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah
the Lord, Cherisher and Sustainer of the Universe. I bear witness that there is
no deity that deserves to be worshipped except Allah. He is alone and has no
partner or associate in His sovereignty and I also bear witness that
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Servant and Messenger. May the
peace and blessings of Allah be upon the noblest of the Prophets,
Muhammad, his household, his companions and all those who will follow him
in righteousness till the day of reckoning.

Mr. Chairman, Madam Proprietress; Professor Naana Khadijah Abubakar

Siddique, distinguished invited guests, graduands, family members present,
members of the media fraternity, ladies and gentlemen, all other protocols
observed. I greet you all with the Islamic fraternal salutation of peace and
unity encapsulated in the traditional Arabic expression of “AS-SALAAMU
ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAAHI WA BARAKAATUHU”.

I am most grateful first to the Almighty Allah, and then to the management of
the Executive Hands Training Institute for inviting me as a Guest Speaker for
this 10th Graduation Ceremony on the theme “The importance of skills
acquisition”.

A skill refers to the ability to do something well gained through training or

experience. Skills acquisition therefore refers to the ability to learn or acquire
skills as the representation of information in memory concerning cognitive
events in which the acquired knowledge may lead to the creation of jobs or
employment.

The problem of unemployment or joblessness has posed a great challenge to

many countries, both developed and developing.

Most youths graduate from schools, including tertiary institutions without the
needed skills or competencies that would enable them function in todays
emerging society. A case in point is the formation of the “Unemployed
Graduates Association of Ghana”. Going by these facts, it is apparent
that the role of skills acquisition in the creation of employment among the
youths may not be over emphasized.
In 1982, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) defined unemployment
or joblessness as “a situation where people without jobs have actively sought
work within the past 5 weeks unsuccessfully”

Skill is the brick, from which the foundation of our future is built. Skills
determine the quality of life. Some of the skills that can be acquired include
computer literacy, fashion & display, cosmetology, catering & hotel
management, bag or shoe making, wielding, painting, masonry, carpentry,
dress and beads making.

In this era of global economic challenges and constant changing environment,

it is appropriate for everyone to acquire some skills in order to find ones feet
in life.

Ladies and gentlemen, the acquisition of skills contributes to the nation’s

overall human capital. There is increasing fewer occupational opportunities for
the unfortunate youths who lack basic skills and knowledge. There is
therefore the need for the unemployed young individuals to learn and acquire
new lifelong employable skills, which will make them self-employed by setting
up their own businesses.

A skilled acquired man is self-employed. A self-employed man can never go

hungry because the skills acquired will always provide him or her food.

Thirdly, skills acquisition can help in the formation of ideas, their integration
for national development and the interaction of persons and ideas.

Again, the importance of skills acquisition enables the individual to showcase

his or her talents. It also helps the youth to be self-reliant and independent.

Furthermore, skills acquisition helps the individual to develop a greater sense

of self-awareness and appreciation for others.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion let me say that the
acquisition of vocational skills lead to a significant reduction of poverty among
young adults and as a consequence reduction in crimes. Ghana is fast
becoming a predominantly youthful society with high rate of unemployment.
This it requires training the youth in entrepreneurship skills in technical
vocational education and training to tackle unemployment. It is therefore not
too late to develop the right skills. Do not create artificial barriers and thereby
close the further development of your life. Skill acquisition opens a new
opportunity, which is why we need something new to practice and become
experts. Skill acquisition is a key, which opens all doors.

Thank you for your attention.