By Lilian Ezejiegu
The Anambra State Government has approved the commencement of selection, placement and training for the third batch of its flagship One Youth Two Skills empowerment programme, targeting 20,000 youths.
Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with journalists in his office at the State Secretariat, Awka, on November 5.
The approval was given at the 17th meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) where about five critical decisions were taken, alongside the award of several road projects across the state.
Mefor said the programme, championed by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, had successfully trained, empowered, mentored and monitored between 13,000 and 14,000 beneficiaries in its first two batches.
According to him, beneficiaries receive free vocational training and seed money to purchase tools, establish themselves and begin practising their chosen trades after completing their training.
He explained that the programme goes beyond training and financial empowerment, as beneficiaries are also mentored, monitored and taught the business aspects of their chosen vocations to ensure sustainability.
The Commissioner said the programme offers over 60 skill sets, ranging from agriculture to ICT, adding1 that feedback from beneficiaries across the state has been very encouraging .
He revealed that about 5,000 beneficiaries from the first two batches had become millionaires, while approximately 1,000 were now training and empowering others in appreciation of the government’s support.
Following the reported success, Mefor said ANSEC approved the third batch, while the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports would soon announce eligibility criteria for interested applicants.
Mefor said the initiative was designed to reduce unemployment, strengthen the economy and keep young people meaningfully engaged, thereby discouraging idleness, drug abuse and criminal activities across Anambra communities effectively.
Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
#OneYouthTwoSkills #YouthEmpowerment #AnambraIsRising
