SOLUDO’S 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS INSPIRED OBOSI 1 HOUSEHOLD 2 SKILLS INITIATIVE SAYS PG—AS OBOSI DEVELOPMENT UNION GRADUATES 300 TRAINEES

By Uzo Ugwunze  :

About 300 trainees have graduated from the first batch of the Obosi Skills Acquisition, Empowerment and Palliatives (OBISEP) Pilot Phase One project initiated by the Obosi Development Union(ODU).

Addressing newsmen during an event at Obosi Town Hall, Idemili North LGA, 

 President General of Obosi Development Union, Ambassador Chimezie Obi,  described the occasion as a graduation ceremony for 300 trainees of the OBISEP project’s “One Household Two Skills” initiative. The project, initiated by the ODU Skills Acquisition Empowerment and Palliative Committee, aimed to equip participants with 31 different skills, bringing Governor Soludo’s state-level initiatives to the grassroots.

Obi emphasized the need for financial support, as the organization lacks funds to provide startup kits or capital. He appealed to individuals, organizations, corporate bodies, and the Anambra State Government for assistance, noting that the Commissioner for Youths had promised to communicate with the Governor to explore possible support.

In his welcome address, Chairman of ODU Skills Acquisition Empowerment and Palliatives Committee, Worldwide

Comrade Chisom T. Onugha, , emphasized that the “Obosi 1 Household 2 Skills” programme aims to bring the benefits of the “One Youth 2 Skills” initiative to various households, ensuring its positive impacts are felt by families.

Mr Onugha while commending Governor Soludo on the ‘1 Youth 2 Skills’ initiatives urged other communities to emulate the “1 Household 2 Skills” initiative as a grassroot model for even and faster human and community development. He equally pleaded with Governor Soludo to support these communities who wish to take up these projects financially.

Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, expressed gratitude to ODU for focusing on youth enterprise development. He noted that the program’s timing aligns with the Anambra State Government’s efforts to form partnerships that empower the state’s youths. He emphasised that the state government cannot drive development alone, hence the need for Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP). The Obosi Community’s response to the Governor’s call for support is a welcome step, as over 98% of the state’s resources are in individual hands.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Major Gen. Emeka  Maduegbunam (rtd) 

 represented by Mr. Chinedum Iweka, applauded the initiative as a wonderful opportunity to steer youths away from crime and equip them with vocational skills that benefit both individuals and society. He encouraged indigent youths to take the training seriously, emphasizing its numerous benefits, and appreciated the state government’s support for Obosi people.

A beneficiary who graduated from the initiative under Poultry and Fish farming , Mrs Uche Okonkwo said that she and her family will ever remain grateful to ODU and the sponsors of the project saying that the knowledge she acquired from her Master Trainer, Edwin Obi of Edy Farm has empowered her for life. 

Some of the skills for training included ;Industrial house wiring, cosmetology, catering and confectioneries, fashion designing, veterinary, and poultry, fish farming, computer technology, plumbing, beauty care, solar and CCTV installations among others.

* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *