Soludo empowers 8,300 skilled youths with N3.5b for business financing

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By Madu Obi

Eight thousand, three hundred Anambra youths who have successfully completed the 'One Youth, Two Skills' programme initiated by the present administration, have been empowered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries was held at the International Convention Centre, Awka.

The governor had earlier empowered 5,000 youths from the 179 communities, during which the governor distributed N2 billion for equipment financing and N2.5 billion for working capital.

This initiative, launched on October 22, 2022, aims to revolutionize youth empowerment by moving beyond mere consumption to fostering productive, innovative, and exportable skills.

Professor Soludo said at the graduation ceremony that the One Youth Two Skills Programme stands out as the largest youth enterprise and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development initiative in Nigeria, adding that it is aimed at making Anambra State a leading skills hub in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Essentially, the programme was designed to ensure that a significant percentage of the youths in Anambra State acquires employable skills that can also be exported.

According to the governor, the initiative consists of five critical schemes, including the Apprenticeship Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperatives Formation Scheme, Business Financing Scheme, and Mentorship Scheme, all of which are structured to last for one year.

During the recent graduation ceremony, Governor Soludo highlighted the immense success of the first phase, which recorded over 80% success rate in terms of business commencement and expansion among its beneficiaries.

Products showcased at the event, included T-shirts and food, which were produced by graduates of the programme, thereby reflecting the initiative's motto of using local resources to produce what is needed.

Soludo said the initiative also encourages collaboration among beneficiaries, evidenced by the formation of the Solution Youth- Preneurs Support Group (SYPSG)—a self-driven platform aimed at supporting fellow youths in acquiring skills, explaining that the group is currently training 1,000 Anambra youths at no cost, showcasing the programme's commitment to community upliftment.

Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime said that with the commencement of the initiative, Governor Soludo has set ambitious targets, as he plans to empower 20,000 youths and increase training centers from 634 to 1,000 in the next phase.

"Governor Soludo encouraged the graduates to take their journey seriously, embracing the entrepreneurial mindset that prioritizes success through hard work and innovation", Aburime said.

Also speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, expressed immense satisfaction with the growth of the One Youth Two Skills programme.

“It is incredibly fulfilling to see how this initiative is growing from strength to strength. We are witnessing a profound transformation in the lives and future of thousands of Anambra youths", Aghamba stated.

On his part, the chairman of the One Youth, Two Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme, Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe, acknowledged the programm's success, noting a remarkable 48 percent increase in participation.

“This initiative stands out as a model for scholars and practitioners alike. Every graduation ceremony marks a vital step towards l achieving our vision where every youth in Anambra is equipped with the essential skills for their survival,” he remarked.

Many beneficiaries of the programme from within and outside the state, shared their success stories, highlighting how it has empowered them to become employers rather than job seekers.

"With financial support amounting to N3.5 billion available to graduates through the Business Financing Scheme, as well as one year of mentorship from business development experts, the future looks promising for the empowered youth.

As Anambra embraces a new era of youth empowerment through the One Youth, Two Skills initiative, the state government aims to build a prosperous society through its commitment to standardization, business fostering, and community engagement.

The vision for Anambra is clear: creating a destination for success, not just a departure point for its youth. Together, as one government and one community, the journey toward lasting prosperity continues", Aburime concluded.