Anambra State Government has empowered 5000 new smart entrepreneurs, courtesy of the 1 Youth 2 Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme.
The scheme is expected to train and empower 10,000 youths in the next phase.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, during the empowerment ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka revealed that Anambra State would be turned into the biggest digital skills hub in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa where greater percentage of Anambra youths will have employable and exportable technological skills.
He emphasized that the agenda is to raise smart entrepreneurs who possess two skills and people that will build businesses that will create jobs.
Acknowledging existing gap between the children of the poor and that of the rich, Soludo pledged his determination to bridge the gap by providing equal opportunity to all through access to quality education, healthcare services and empowerment opportunities.
“Anambra State Government is very intentional about human capital development, that’s why we calling on prospective partners and investors to invest in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of Anambra State.
Describing people of the state as enterprising in nature, the governor advised youths of Anambra to embrace the true Anambra spirit and shun criminality.
He congratulated the new entrepreneurs and encouraged them to be committed and make good use of the start-up funds and assured that the state will continue to provide them with free business mentorship programme to ensure they succeed.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Aghamba identified the 1 Youth 2 Skills as an evolution for economic emancipation and revolution.
He assured that the Ministry of Youths Development will continue to harness and maximize the potential of Anambra youths geared towards achieving a prosperous Anambra State.
Mr Ndubuisi Ezeh, a physically challenged man from Uga, Aguata Local Government, while appreciating the Governor for the opportunity and empowerment promised not to fail as he expressed the readiness to become an employer of labour in the near future.
On her part, another beneficiary from Achina, Miss Ifeoma Okpalaugo said that Governor Soludo has given them the best gift and pledged to give her best to actualize the vision of the Governor.
The youths made up of vibrant men and women as well as the disabled continued to rejoice, sing and dance in appreciation.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Traditional Rulers, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha, the ASATU National President, Barrister Titus Akpudo, and other government functionaries attended the event.
The climax of the event was the symbolic presentation of a dummy cheque to some beneficiaries by the Governor who announced that they should visit their respective local government areas from Wednesday 1st November to collect their cheques.
