By Nneka Ejeckam
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF), has commenced a five-day skill acquisition programme aimed at equipping youths in Onitsha, Anambra State, with practical skills for self reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The programme, sponsored by the Federal Government through NASENI, commenced on Sept. 7, with an opening ceremony at Imeobi Onitsha. It is focused on “Modern Methods of Electrical Installation and Maintenance.”
Declaring the training open, the traditional ruler of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously, listen attentively and apply themselves diligently throughout the training.
He encouraged the youths to be willing to start small, stressing that the skills acquired could provide a foundation for building successful enterprises and creating employment opportunities in the future.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Dr. Chika Ezeanyanaso expressed appreciation to the President and the Obi of Onitsha for their support and warm reception accorded the NASENI team.
Dr. Ezeanyanaso said technical and vocational skills were increasingly important in today’s economy, noting that the programme was designed to provide participants with practical knowledge that could enhance self reliance and open pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
She urged the trainees to remain focused and committed to completing the programme, obtaining their certificates and putting the skills and materials provided to productive use.
The NASENI representative cautioned beneficiaries against selling the training materials, explaining that the items were provided to support their continued practice and livelihood development, disclosing that a monitoring team would oversee their utilisation and encouraged the beneficiaries to use their knowledge to train others.
The Coordinator of OnAF, Dr. Rita Melifonwu, said the initiative was designed to develop skilled entrepreneurs who could eventually become employers of labour, urging participants to maximise the opportunity.
The opening ceremony was attended by members of the Igwe-in-Council (Ndi Ichie) and featured a group photograph and light refreshments.
Nneka Ejeckam is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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