No fewer than twenty seven unemployed men and women have been empowered by Mmaigbo Empowerment Foundation (MIEF), a Non-Governmental Organization in Awka, Anambra State.
The beneficiaries, drawn from various communities across the local government areas of the state were empowered with sowing and industrial machines, computers, dryers, clippers and other equipment.
Speaking weekend during the 2023 2nd Skill Exhibition and Empowerment Grand Finale themed, “Promoting Igbo Cultural Heritage and Identity Through Skill Acquisition and Youth Empowerment”, group’s Director General, Comrade Uzo Ekemezie said the beneficiaries were selected after thorough monitoring and evaluation.
He said Mmaigbo, through the empowerment programme, qaimed at eradicating all forms of social vices among youths and ensure crime-free society.
He said, “The beneficiaries were selected after thorough monitoring and evaluation, during which the unserious ones among them were dropped.
“We aim at partnering with governments at all levels, for the promotion of sustainable and enabling environment for viable businesses as well as training young people to make them employers of labour.
“We also want to fight poverty, youth unemployment, and encourage production and exportation of locally-made products.”
Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba described culture and skill acquisition as important tools needed for the growth and development of the state.
He appreciated the organization for the initiative, assuring his ministry’s readiness to partner with them.
“The best investment is human capital development. We charge the beneficiaries to be humble and dedicated to the training and to make proper use of the equipment,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the ocasion, Chido Obidiegwu said the initiative was in line with government’s “One Youths Two Skills” programme targeted at empowering youths and to reduce criminality in the state.
He praised the organization for including value reorientation and think home philosophy in their package, urging them to also look into agriculture, especially palm oil and coconut production.
While congratulating the beneficiaries for successful completion of the training, Obidiegwu urged them to work towards empowering others.
“We thank Mmaigbo Empowerment Foundation (MIEF) for supporting the government through the empowerment because government cannot do it alone, it’s a collective responsibility.
“Communities, churches, corporate bodies and other stakeholders should also support the government by engaging in any form of empowerment,” he said.
