Soludo launches second phase of Anambra youth development programme

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, has launched the second phase of the “One youth, two skills” solution programme.

Soludo launched the initiative on Thursday at the International Convention Centre, Awka, Anambra capital.

The governor said the programme is a form of community development that impacts the state positively on a larger scale.

He said his administration prioritises human capital development, noting that children and youths are the bridge to the future.

“Today, we are beginning phase two of that big journey to ensure that our youths are empowered on a sustainable basis, to teach them how to fish and eliminate hunger,” he said.

“Phase one of the programme had 5000 youths, trained on a peculiar way of igba boi, mentorship, etc.

“Most of them have been empowered, and several of them are now employers of labour.

“In this second batch, 183,000 applications were received, and over 8000 people were selected because of available limited spaces.

“As we launch this particular phase, ndị Anambra youths, I thank you for being responsible citizens. Thank you for deciding not to protest, not because you don’t feel the pain of the moment but because of our age-long value system.”

The governor said the goal of his administration is to transform Anambra into the largest skill hub to give the youth employable and exportable skills.

“This is a unique training programme. Many of the artisans’ works and skills are now in short supply,” Soludo said.

“As I look in your faces today, I can see the future millionaires and the youths that can take Anambra and Nigeria to the world.”

The empowerment programme has five pillars, comprising the apprenticeship scheme, entrepreneurial skills training, formation of cooperatives, business financing scheme, and mentorship scheme.

Soludo said the N2 billion grant was disbursed to the previous batch, while another N2.5 billion of start-up capital is set aside for beneficiaries willing to access the funds through the Anambra Small Business Agency.

The governor urged investors and stakeholders to share in the state’s dream of empowering young entrepreneurs.