ANAMBRA YOUTHS COMMEND SOLUDO ADMINISTRATION ON SKILLS ACQUISITION, CALL FOR EXPANSION TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT

By Chinyere Nwoye

Youths in Anambra State have commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its commitment to youth development through well-structured skills acquisition programmes, while urging for further expansion to reach more young people across the state.

Speaking on this year’s World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, the youths said equipping young people with practical, relevant and future-ready skills remains key to driving economic growth, financial independence, and reducing involvement in crime.

They noted that successive administrations in Anambra have introduced various youth empowerment initiatives, but stressed that the current administration has recorded significant progress in aligning these programmes with global trends.

The youths particularly applauded the state government’s 1Youth, 2Skills Programme, which they said has empowered thousands of grassroots youths with training in Information and Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence, digital skills, and other modern vocational trades.

A resident of Ichida community, Mr. Osita Ozallagba, described the programme as a bold step by the Soludo administration toward preparing Anambra youths for the evolving global labour market.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Sunday Nwokoye, also lauded the initiative as a genuine effort at building future leaders through practical training. He, however, appealed for an expansion of the programme to accommodate more unemployed youths.

The respondents also commended wealthy individuals, philanthropists, and political office holders for complementing government efforts through empowerment in areas such as soap making, bead making, tailoring, hairdressing, and other vocational skills that have provided livelihoods for many young people.

While acknowledging that unemployment and economic hardship remain national challenges, the youths said Anambra is making commendable strides through evidence-based planning and targeted interventions.

Speaking on the challenges, Deputy President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Innocent Nduanya, called for increased funding, stronger implementation, and reduced political interference to ensure greater impact of youth programmes.
Also, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra State, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, urged government and partners to strengthen inclusion by providing facilities that support persons with disabilities in empowerment centres.

The youths expressed optimism that with the Soludo administration’s continued focus on innovation, digital literacy, green skills, and entrepreneurship, Anambra will set the pace in youth empowerment and job creation in Nigeria.

They reaffirmed their support for government policies aimed at building a productive, skilled, and self-reliant youth population in line with the administration’s agenda of a livable and prosperous Anambra.

Chinyere Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State