The Nigerian Government has trained and empowered 95 youths from the South East geopolitical zone with vocational skills, equipment and startup support as part of efforts to encourage entrepreneurship, address unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 95 local government areas across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, graduated from the Skill-Up South East Programme- an initiative of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during the graduation and empowerment ceremony held at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Mrs Chioma Nweze, said the programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
According to her, the beneficiaries underwent intensive training in tailoring and fashion design, alongside lessons in financial literacy and business management aimed at ensuring the sustainability of their ventures.
She disclosed that each of the graduating fashion designers received a brand-new sewing machine and startup funds to enable them to commence business operations immediately.
Nweze said the initiative reflected the Government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and creating opportunities for wealth creation through skills acquisition.
The Senior Special Assistant noted that many of the trainees had little or no prior experience in the trades before enrolling in the programme, but had successfully acquired skills capable of transforming their economic fortunes.
“The programme gave them more than vocational training. It equipped them with business and financial management skills because training without the ability to sustain a business can limit economic growth. Today, they leave not only with skills but also with tools and support to begin their entrepreneurial journeys”, she said.
The Presidential Aide described the South-East as a region renowned for enterprise and innovation, stressing that empowering young people with practical skills would contribute significantly to the region’s economic development.
She said the Skill-Up South East Programme aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth across the country.
Nweze also highlighted several ongoing Federal Government interventions in the South-East, including major road rehabilitation projects, investments in rail infrastructure, student loan schemes and industrial development initiatives.
Some top government Officials like the Nigeria’s Minister of works, David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, applauded the the Presidential Aide for the wonderful empowerment for the Youths.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi urged the Youths who were empowered to make good use of the opportunity
The Nollywood Actor, Mike Ozuruonye said talent can take you to apex, therefore urged them to hold their talent firmly.
