Zang Global has commenced the onboarding of participants for Cohort 1 of its RenewCycle Training Program, an initiative aimed at empowering young people with practical skills in recycling, environmental sustainability, and green entrepreneurship. The programme brought together beneficiaries selected for the maiden edition of the project.
The training is expected to equip participants with knowledge and hands-on experience that will enable them to create economic opportunities from waste while contributing to environmental protection. The initiative also aligns with global goals on gender equality, clean energy, and decent work and economic growth.
Addressing participants during the onboarding ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Zang Global, Mr. Zang Luka, described the RenewCycle Training Program as a life-changing initiative designed to equip young people with practical skills, create sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to environmental protection through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Luka revealed that more than 500 applications were received for the programme, but only 40 participants were selected after a rigorous screening process. He congratulated the beneficiaries, urging them to make the most of the opportunity and remain committed throughout the training.
“We received over 500 applications from young people eager to participate, but only 40 were selected for this cohort. You were chosen because we believe in your potential, and we are confident that with the right training and determination, you can become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in Nigeria’s growing green economy,” he said.
He explained that the programme goes beyond technical training, noting that it is aimed at raising a new generation of job creators rather than job seekers. He added that Zang Global’s long-term vision is to create 15,000 jobs across Africa by 2029, with the RenewCycle initiative serving as one of the key strategies for achieving that goal.
Presenting an overview of the RenewCycle Training Programme, the Project Manager of Zang Global, Vivian Daniel, said the initiative has brought together 40 young participants from different faith backgrounds across Plateau State to acquire practical skills in e-waste recycling, solar lantern production, and renewable energy solutions.
She disclosed that the programme places strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, with 33 females and seven males selected for the first cohort. According to her, the three-month training will combine technical skills development with entrepreneurship support to prepare participants for sustainable livelihoods.
“Our goal is to equip these young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge that will enable them to create opportunities for themselves and others. We want participants to become innovators, business owners, and contributors to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” Daniel said.
Facilitating a session on financial resilience, development economist Chiamaka Ezeme described the RenewCycle Training Programme as a life-changing opportunity capable of transforming the future of participants if properly utilized. She urged beneficiaries to focus on learning and personal development before seeking financial rewards.
Ezeme explained that financial resilience is built on four key pillars: skills acquisition, savings, multiple sources of income, and the right mindset. She encouraged participants to embrace these principles, noting that sustainable success comes from continuous learning, discipline, and the ability to create diverse income opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Friday Mamman encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training opportunity by remaining committed and focused. He noted that outstanding participants could be selected for further support, including business registration and enterprise development assistance, urging them to strive for excellence throughout the programme.
Participants commended Zang Global for creating opportunities for young people to acquire practical skills and build sustainable livelihoods.
One of the beneficiaries, Lange Enoch Moses, said he intends to apply the knowledge gained from the training to empower himself, contribute to community development, and become a job creator, while also encouraging support for locally developed technologies as a means of strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
Another participant, Eunice Bulus, expressed excitement over her selection for the programme, describing it as an opportunity she had long awaited. She said she hopes to become skilled in recycling and renewable energy technologies through the training, adding that the programme has given participants a platform to learn, grow, and improve their future prospects.
Another participant, Fom Ishaya, commended Zang Global for the opportunity, saying the training would enable him to acquire valuable skills in recycling, generate income, and contribute to turning electronic waste into useful products that benefit both individuals and the wider community.
In his closing remarks, Board of Trustees member, Mr. Iliya Yohanna, urged participants to remain disciplined, committed, and obedient to the programme’s guidelines, stressing that dedication and consistency are essential qualities of successful trainees and future entrepreneurs.
He also encouraged participants to take advantage of the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with one another, noting that networking is a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. According to him, the connections made during the training could open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.
