Abakaliki – One hundred and thirty youths from Ebonyi state on Saturday began a three-day free training on various vacational skills.
The programme was launched by the wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, in Abakaliki, through her pet project, Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), in collaboration with the state government.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 13 Local Government Area of the state, will be trained in Fashion Designing, Catering, Barbing and shoe making, among other skills.
Mrs Nwifuru said that the initiative represents the commitment of the state government to give the youths a better future.
“Investment in our youth today will undoubtedly yield dividends, as they become skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, driving innovation.
“We have embarked on a journey of skills development, a journey that will empower our youths with the knowledge and abilities to thrive in today’s dynamic world.
‘It is a significant investment in the future of our youth and a commitment to equip them with the skills they need.
“The skills you acquire here will not only benefit you but contribute to the development of our state and the nation as a whole,” Nwifuru said.
She lauded her husband, Governor Francis Nwifuru, for his commitment so far to youth development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Skills Development and Job Creation, Mr Okwu Udu, said that the training would have a multiplier effect to expand the impact of the programme in the state.
Udu said the governor had provided start-up kits that would be distributed to the youths after the training.
“Before the end of the administration, we are optimistic that over 50,000 youths in the state will be ready to employ others and be self reliant,” Udu said.
A beneficiary, Joshua Agbo, expressed appreciation to the state government and the foundation for the initiative and pledged to utilise the knowledge gained to train others.
