Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Another 100 youths and women from Ebonyi State have been despatched for the second phase of its Agro-Skill Training initiative by the state government. The State government had earlier deployed the first batch of 200 individuals, who are currently undergoing training in agricultural skills in Nasarawa State.
They left the state on Thursday to Enugu for 3 months of training. Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring Ann Aligwe noted that the training aligns with the state government’s “People’s Charter of Needs Agenda,” which aims to empower Ebonyians and foster economic independence.
The Commissioner re-emphasised the commitment of Governor Francis Nwifuru to uplift people out of poverty and enhance their economic stability.
She said, “This initiative is a significant step toward making many Ebonyians millionaires and ensuring they can support themselves and their families,” Aligwe stated. She highlighted the importance of the skills being taught, which include various agricultural techniques and entrepreneurship.
She announced that as part of the initiative, each participant received a 50,000 Naira allowance, with an additional 50,000 Naira to follow in the second month of training. The state government has covered all costs related to feeding, healthcare, and accommodation to make the experience comfortable and focused on learning.
The Commissioner thanked the governor for his commitment to youth empowerment in the state.
“Today is another memorable day for Ebonyi State and our young people. Governor Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifiru has once again approved the dispatch of this second batch under his empowerment program, giving people a chance to improve their lives through agricultural and entrepreneurial training. His commitment to Ebonyi’s development spans infrastructure, welfare, and economic empowerment.
Just two weeks ago, we completed the disbursement of one million Naira to beneficiaries. Starting tomorrow, another group will receive 180,000 Naira each.”
“The first batch that completed the training returned and was empowered with three million Naira each to start their farming businesses. We equally have two hundred Ebonyians in Nasarawa State undergoing the same Training and here today, we are dispatching another set of one hundred Ebonyi youths and women who are going to Master Skill, Enugu to undergo two months of Training and when you come back, you will be empowered like others, His Excellency has serious plans to continue raising millionaires in Ebonyi.”
Igwe Sonnia Okwuchukwu and Chukwudi Miracle Ogechi who are among the beneficiaries, thanked the Governor for the opportunity, adding that the training will benefit both them and the state’s economy.