The Federal Government has trained and empowered 95 youths from the South-East geopolitical zone with vocational skills, equipment and startup support in a fresh push to tackle unemployment and promote entrepreneurship across the region.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 95 local government areas across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, graduated under the Skill-Up South-East Programme, an initiative of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the graduation and empowerment ceremony held at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Mrs Chioma Nweze, said the programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge needed for self-reliance.
According to her, participants were trained in tailoring and fashion design, alongside financial literacy and business management, to ensure they can sustain their businesses after graduation.
She explained that each of the graduating fashion designers received a brand-new sewing machine and startup funds to begin operations immediately.
“The programme gave them more than vocational training. It equipped them with business and financial management skills because training without the ability to sustain a business can limit economic growth. Today, they leave not only with skills but also with tools and support to begin their entrepreneurial journeys,” she said.
Nweze said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and wealth creation through skills acquisition, noting that many of the trainees had little or no prior experience before joining the programme but have now acquired skills capable of changing their economic circumstances.
She described the South-East as a region known for enterprise and innovation, adding that targeted empowerment of young people would strengthen economic development across the region.
She further stated that the Skill-Up South-East Programme aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on human capital development, youth empowerment and inclusive growth nationwide.
Nweze also listed ongoing Federal Government interventions in the region, including road rehabilitation projects, rail infrastructure development, student loan schemes and industrial support programmes.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, alongside the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs Patricia Obila, represented the state governor and commended the initiative, describing it as impactful for youth development.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi, urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and build sustainable livelihoods from the training.
Nollywood actor, Mike Ozuruonye, also encouraged the youths, saying talent must be nurtured and held firmly to reach success, urging them to remain focused as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.
