The Nigeria Automobile Technician Association (NATA), has said it has trained 5,000 beggars and other youths in Kaduna to be self reliant.

The Chairman of the association, Abdullahi Salihu, said during a courtesy visit to Gov. Patrick Yakowa that those trained included beggars, unemployed youths, school drop-outs as well as discharged prison inmates.

“We emulate the government by pulling out some of the Al-majiri from the street by engaging them in various vocational training.

“As employer and employee in labour, on our part, we strive to emulate your hard work to fight poverty,” he told the governor.

Salihu said the training had equipped the participants with skills to repair automobiles, thereby providing them with income and reducing poverty in the state.

The chairman appealed to the state government to assist in establishing a mechanics’ village to enable the association boost its activities.

He also urged the government to assist them with modern tools and a bus to enhance their mobility.

Salihu advised the government to establish vocational training centres in the 23 local government areas to train more youths to be self reliant.

The chairman said the state chapter of the association has over 150,000 members.

Responding, Yakowa commended the association for its role in generating employment and equipping apprentice with skills.

Yakowa said the state government would work with the association to train more youths.

He assured NATA that the government would provide the necessary facilities to enable it continue with its humanitarian services to the nation.