The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has emphasised that the sure way to self reliance for the Youths is to acquire relevant skills that will make them self employed.
The Governor reiterated that since 2015, his emphasis has been to redirect the Youths to look inwards and focus on those things the State had comparative and competitive advantage in to become the no 1 in Nigeria.
The Governor said that his Promotion of Made in Aba products was just a metaphor to celebrate the ingenuity and creativity of Nigerian Youths whom he has always said require a conducive atmosphere to express their energy and creativity.
Governor Ikpeazu who maintained that his administration has mainstreamed skill acquisition in all facets of governance stated that it was what led him to send 30 youths to China to learn automated shoe production, who since they came back have consistently made the State proud.
The Governor informed the gathering that Abia Youths have distinguished themselves in several National outings especially with laurels in MSME events.
He however ,restated that the operationalization of the state SME Microfinance Bank, the creation of a full fledged ministry of SME and other initiatives towards developing the MSME sector are all in a bid to create opportunities for Youths in the state.
The Governor announced that the State Government under his leadership is committed to bequeath ultramodern skill acquisition and production center in each of the 3 Senatorial Zones of the State.
The Governor who spoke through his Special Adviser on Social Investment Programmes, Chinenye Nwaogu during the graduation ceremony for the beneficiaries of Augustine Akomas Skill Acquisition programme congratulated the beneficiaries for painstakingly undergoing the Training.
Mr Nwaogu informed the gathering that the Governor is highly elated by the exemplary achievements of Hon Akomas as a Councilor and urged all the elected Councilors and Officials in the State to emulate such initiatives.
He further thanked Speak Africa Initiative for developing the Programme and assured that the State government will expand the scope of the Programme to insure more Youths benefit from the Programme.
He further maintained that when Youths are empowered through skill and become busy they would not have the time for crime and other social vices.
He stated that the Governor sent him to demonstrate his commitment to encouraging everyone that is part of the government who interprete his vision clearly.
Speaking earlier , Hon Augustine Akomas who was full of appreciation to the Governor for setting the stage of Youths to participate in governance with the conduct of local government elections and insisting on involvement of Youths at that level of governance being a training ground maintained that he will continue to follow in the footsteps of the Governor.
He said that he has consistently listened to the Governor emphasise the need for Youths to acquire skills as a way of becoming self relaint.
He pledged to do more as a show of gratitude for the opportunity given him to serve.
Other speakers who eulogized the Governor and Hon Akomas included Hon Chimaobi Ebisike represented by Mr. Frank Iwuala, Chief Azubuike Erondu, Hon Hansen Amaechi, Dr Sarah Ogwudire and a host of other dignitaries.
The high point of the event was the announcement of a start up capital of 20,000 naira each from Governor Ikpeazu, for all the beneficiaries of the skill acquisition training.
Mr Nwaogu was later joined by other dignitaries to present Certificates of Participation to the Beneficiaries.
