Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, has presented Trade Test Certificates to no fewer than 126 youths, just as 59 of them were also gifted with various starter packs to commence their own businesses.
The youths were trained in five skills, Confectioneries, Cosmetology, Barbing, Shoe Making and Solar/CCTV Installation under the 5th batch of its empowerment programme tagged “One Youth, One Skill” aimed at making youths to be entrepreneurs.
The State Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, Professor Theresa Obiekezie, who made the announcement during the graduation ceremony held in Awka, said over one thousand (1,000) youths had so far benefited from the programme.
She added that the Trade Test Certificates from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment would enable the beneficiaries to secure employment within and outside the country.
According to her, “I want to use this ceremony to announce to you all that this 5th batch of One-Youth-One-Skill Programme might be the last for this administration. As you all know, in one month time, the present administration will come to an end. Though, the administration still have a training programme called; The Youth Apprenticeship Programme, we have not closed that one. I hope and believe that the incoming government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, will continue from there and more”.
While appreciating the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for the huge success recorded, she urged the skill acquisition graduates especially those gifted with starter packs to swing into action immediately with the items to earn decent living and impact on the lives of other youths.
Empowering the youths
Presenting the equipment to the beneficiaries, Prof. Obiekezie, said that the intervention was in line with Governor Willie Obiano’s promise to empower ten thousand youths in the State.
She advised the beneficiaries to make proper use of the equipment, and to remain resolute and creative through the rough edges of entrepreneurship.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Louisa Ezeanya, extolled the governor, for the scheme, which is the first of its kind, noting that its focus on youths was critical to overall societal development.
Some of the beneficiaries of the programme, Uwabunkeonye Clara, a student of Federal Polythnic Oko, Chiamaka Chikeluba and Chigor King, assured that they would make diligent efforts to grow their chosen enterprise and thanked the State government for the huge opportunity.
The programme also featured exhibition of the trainees’ products, presentation of certificates and start-up equipment to the successful trainees.
Emmanuel Ukoh
