By Sunday Nkama
In a bid to create livelihood opportunities and lift youths from poverty, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy A. U, on Thursday flagged off a 3-Day Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme.
The programme, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Afikpo, was organized by Afikpo Local Government in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Flagging off the exercise, the Council Chairman, represented by his Chief of Staff, Apostle (Dr.) Uduma Peter Agha, emphasized the importance of youths engaging in productive ventures. He advised participants to remain focused throughout the duration of the training to enhance their employability and income-generating capabilities.
He assured of his administration’s readiness to create an enabling environment for youths to thrive with necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, adding that a population of skilled youths will reduce unemployment rate and drive local development.
The Council Chairman hailed the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his significant investments in the lives of Ebonyi youths through various empowerment initiatives, scholarship programmes, and other developmental projects. The Chairman stated that by doing so, the Governor has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the welfare and prospects of young people in the State.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Afikpo LGA Chapter, Rev. Fr. Dr. Simon Acha, represented by the CAN Secretary, Apostle Godwin Nnachi Enwo, commended the Council Chairman for his leadership initiatives that promote economic growth and self-reliance among youths. He advised participants to take advantage of the opportunity to equip themselves with the desired skills that will unlock better livelihood opportunities for them
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Hon. Ukpai Egwu, and a member of the Committee, Pastor Anointed Isuama, described the initiative as a new dawn and thanked the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and Afikpo LGA Chairman, NWACHI Timothy, for their strategic investment in human capital development.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Grace Orieoma Okocha appreciated the Council Chairman for creating the opportunity for self-actualization and fulfilment among the youths of the area, assuring that the participants will take the training seriously to equip themselves with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s fast-changing economy.
The 3-Days Skill Acquisition Program anchored by the C.E.O of Benell Concepts, Blessing Udu Oko trains Participants in the areas of liquid soap, dettol, car wash and bleach making