…As state targets 1000 youth millionaires annually
About 8000 youths will benefit from the second batch of the “One Youth, Two Skills” Solution initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.
Soludo had inaugurated the initiative at the International Convention Centre, Awka with 8,620 participants qualifying for the programme.
While speaking at the event, the governor described the children and youths as the bridge to the future, saying that was why his administration prioritised human capital development.
“Today, we are beginning the 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.
“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 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, 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.
“Anambra citizens celebrate nothing but hard work. I thank our youths for deciding to take their destinies in their hands.
“It is good to protest, but even better to do something. For decades, we’ve been singing songs of lamentations, but now, we are doing something to ensure that our youths are useful to the society,” he said.
The former CBN governor stressed that the goal of his government is to transform the state to become the largest skill hub to give the youths employable and exportable skills.
“This is a unique training programme. Many of the artisans’ works and skills are now in short supply.
“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 governor stressed.
The professor of economics noted that there are five systematic pillars for the programme such as Apprenticeship scheme, Entrepreneurial skills training, formation of cooperatives, business financing scheme and mentorship scheme, noting that N2billion grant was disbursed to those who qualified in the last batc.
He added that another N2.5billion start-up capital was also set aside for beneficiaries that are willing to access it through the Anambra Small Business Agency.
Read also: Soludo unveils N1.4bn capital projects in Anambra
“This is becoming an organic movement. We are expecting that in every kindred, there should be one person benefitting from the scheme, so that it permeates the whole Anambra.
“We are recommending this Anambra model to the world. We are upgrading digitizing the system to ensure that former applicants do not apply and participate.
“The number that applied shows that Anambra youths are hungry to take their destinies in their hands. We will continue to provide the enabling environment. I implore you to take it very seriously.
“This is not a programme for government to dish out free money, but for those who are ready to make decent living. It will benefit only qualified trainees. Make the most of it,” he said
The governor affirmed that Community Development has helped Anambra to scale up very quickly, saying that Ndị Anambra believe in collaborative development as well as “leave no one behind” mantra.
Soludo said: “I encourage friends of Anambra to join us. Public-Private-Community-Partnership (PPCP) is the fastest way to scale up the development of Anambra.
“We are determined to give good value, but we need partners. To developmental partners who have funds, this is an opportunity. ”
The governor also called on the youths to take advantage of the initiative so that they could become a solution to themselves and the society.
Patrick Aghamba, commissioner for Youth Development, eulogised the governor for being supportive of the initiative, which is a model worthy of emulation.
“This is a historic event. 8620 youths qualified in various skills cut across the local government areas of the state. Mr. Governor, you have developed a model worthy of emulation that will live beyond you- emphasis on “quality.”
“You are determined to give the youths the best and nothing but the best. You believe in the youths, and you are changing the narrative, with a target of raising 1000 youth millionaires annually.
“We appreciate your interest in quality assurance. The ministry is determined to ensure that your model becomes the benchmark. ”
The Commissioner assured that the learning curves encountered during the first phase will be further utilised to improve and modify the second phase, expressing optimism that it will be upscaled to 95 percent in terms of achievement
He commended the beneficiaries for going through the rigorous processes.
