By Anastasia Agunwa
The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, has disbursed the third phase of his ₦10 million education grant to students from Ogbaru Local Government Area(LGA)and opened applications for the second batch of his youth empowerment programme.
The announcements were made at the fourth edition of the Ogbaru Youth Parliament, held in Odekpe under the theme, “Youths, Leadership and Opportunities.” The event attracted about 500 young people from across the LGA.
The education grant supports undergraduates, nursing students and secondary school students preparing for this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), helping to ease the financial burden of education on beneficiaries and their families.
Udeze announced the opening of applications for the second batch of his youth empowerment scheme. In the previous round, about 300 young people received sewing machines, grinding machines, agricultural inputs and cash support to establish or expand their businesses.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker said he had sustained the initiatives for four years to equip young people with the resources and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
“The youths are today’s leaders, not tomorrow’s,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to youth development and empowerment.
The event also received support from Senator Stella Oduah, the APGA candidate for Anambra North Senatorial District, who encouraged the young participants and donated ₦5 million towards the initiative.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Patrick Agha mba; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Reformation, Hon. Nelson Omenugha; the Anambra State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Hon. Nonso Nwaebili; and the Okakwu of Odekpe.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation and Managing Director of the Solution Innovation District, Hon. Chinwe Okoli, was represented by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant, Mr. Ike Anajemba.
Beyond the financial support, the programme featured sessions onfor leadership development, youth participation, skills acquisition, employment opportunities and business support, providing a platform for young people to explore pathways to personal and economic growth.
Anastasia Agunwa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#YouthEmpowerment #EducationSupport #AnambraState
