By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, a prominent business mogul and the 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has empowered 53 persons with a total of N159 million as part of his skills acquisition and economic empowerment programme.
Each beneficiary received N3 million as startup capital and was enrolled in a fully-funded vocational training program at the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. The package also includes full tuition, accommodation, stipends, logistics, and other welfare support throughout the training period.
The initiative, which signals the launch of the 1st Batch of the empowerment scheme, is being implemented through the Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation, with 2nd Batch expected to commence before the end of 2025.
In a press statement, Mr. Odii said the programme is aimed at fostering sustainable livelihoods and lifting families out of poverty through practical skill acquisition and business support.
“Today marks another significant milestone. These individuals are about to acquire vocational skills that will spark a new dawn of prosperity for their families and communities,” Odii stated.
Odii, a native of Ebonyi State, has consistently led humanitarian interventions across key sectors such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, and social welfare.
Over the years, the Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation has: Built hundreds of houses for underprivileged families, constructed schools and rural roads across communities, awarded full scholarships to over 1,000 indigent students locally and abroad, Distributed COVID-19 palliatives to more than 400,000 families across nine states, and empowered thousands with startup capital and business mentorship.
According to Odii, the empowerment programme aligns with his long-term vision of building a more inclusive and economically resilient society.
“We started this journey with a deep love for humanity, and by God’s grace, we will continue to the end until His will says otherwise,” he added.
Odii also announced upcoming initiatives under the Isuachara Agriculture and Skill Acquisition Empowerment Programme, 2025, along with other empowerment schemes planned for the year.
The programme has continued to receive accolades from stakeholders who describe it as one of the most impactful private empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.