Officials of the National Youth Service Scheme headed by Musa Mbye, the executive director, billed to attend a capacity building training on agri-business for youths in ECOWAS sub-region, will leave Banjul today for the Songhai Center of Porto Novo, Benin, to attend the training from July 18 to August 18, 2008.

The other four ex-Corps Members of NYSS are Ousman Sanyang, Sanna Sanyang, Sonna Sambou and Sait Secka.

Speaking to this paper yesterday, Mr Mbye, the NYSS boss, revealed that the training programme, which is organized by ECOWAS in collaboration with Songhai Centre, aimes at providing  young men and women in the sub-region with a wide range of vocational and life skills, which will in return enable them to obtain gainful employment and a sustainable livelihood. "The importance of this training cannot be overemphasised. It will ensure that every young person acquires the appropriate skills and that these youths are provided with relevant information regarding the labour market, potential job opportunities and pathways to employment," said Mbye.

According to him, the ex-Corps Members of NYSS will join other youths from the ECOWAS countries and will be trained in different areas including education, drug abuse, arts and culture, conflict prevention, science education and environment.

Mr Mbye finally commended ECOWAS for what he called its steadfastness and dedication to the cause of African youths.