Anambra empowers 35 youths trained in tech skills

ANAMBRA State Government has empowered 35 youths who graduated from its skill acquisition programme with various equipment to start their own businesses.

  The youths were trained in photography, cosmetology, confectionery, 3-D flooring, body massage, facial make up/micro blading and pedicure/manicure at Youths Development Centre, Mgbakwu, near Awka.

  Handing Over the items to the beneficiaries during a symposium in Awka, the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, described entrepreneurship as a cardinal means of fighting unemployment and fostering economic growth.

  Governor Obiano, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, Prof Theresa Obiekezie, reiterated the commitment of his administration to promote key factors that drive entrepreneurship for economic sustainability of the teeming youths.

  Earlier, the commissioner had stated in her welcome address that the youths were trained under the third phase of “One Youth, One Skill ” programme of the state government.

  “This initiative has trained over 700 youths between November 2018 and August 2020, in different skills like solar installation, screedind/interlocking, cosmetology, computer mgt and software application etc.

  “Government also launched Triple I-Iventor,Investor Initiative that focused on dicovering, developing and deploying youths with technovative skills, exposing them to companies and individuals that would wish to invest in their innovative talents as future entrepreneurs ” Prof Obiekezie said.

  In a goodwill message, Director, Smart Jobs Project, Mr Chidi Kanu, urged the beneficiaries to use the items judicious and be motivated by their passion in chosen skills to succeed in life.

  One of the resource persons, Dr Ikechukwu Ume, a lecturer in Computer Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, underscored the importance of entrepreneurship to the nation’s economic survival.

  He enjoined the beneficiaries to create the right vision and add value to it by adjusting to changing business trends to excel above their competitors.

  Some of the beneficiaries including Somtoochukwu Osili, Helen Aniekwe, Jennifer Ezenduka and Mercy Nnanyelu, expressed gratitude to the state government for touching their lives and pledged to make good use of equipment.