By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, youth employability and family welfare through a skills development initiative designed to equip young people with competencies for employment, entrepreneurship and economic independence.
The commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, said this on Oct. 28 while flagging off the Jobberman Soft Skills Training and Empowerment Programme, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.
Onyekesi emphasised that empowering women economically would strengthen their independence, improve family welfare and help address domestic violence and abuse, highlighting the importance of women supporting one another to achieve collective progress and sustainable development.
The Commissioner commended the organisers for the initiative and urged participants to take full advantage of the training, identifying communication, networking, discipline and time management as essential skills for success in the workplace and business environment.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to empowering women, equipping young people with relevant skills and strengthening families in line with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s development vision.
Earlier, the Founder of Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET), Amb. Mrs Amaka Nweke, explained that the programme was part of a broader effort to support women and young people through mentorship, skills acquisition and access to opportunities.
She said WOSCONET promotes education, advocates against gender-based violence, supports water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives, and collaborates with local and international organisations as well as state governments to advance women’s development.
Nweke disclosed that the training marked the beginning of a wider programme planned for communities across Anambra State, targeting young people aged 18 to 35 with essential digital, leadership, communication and time-management skills.
Also speaking, the Head of Youth Engagement and Learning at Jobberman Nigeria, Mr Innih Ikhide, described relevant skills as a valuable asset in today’s labour market, urging young people to develop their competencies and learn how to communicate their value to prospective employers.
He encouraged participants to focus on their abilities rather than physical appearance, noting that practical skills, when properly developed and applied, could create income-generating opportunities and support economic self-reliance.
Ikhide also called for sustained government support for skills-development initiatives to prepare young people for employment, entrepreneurship and other productive ventures.
In his remarks, the President-General of ASTUC Youth, Comrade Ken Okoli, encouraged participants to recognise their potential, build self-confidence and take responsibility for their personal development.
He noted that self-awareness and confidence were important for translating acquired skills into meaningful achievements.
The speakers emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and private-sector partners to expand access to skills training, improve youth employability and promote women’s economic independence.
The initiative reflects a growing focus on equipping women and young people with practical competencies that can help them access opportunities, improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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