The Anambra State Government has approved the release of N2,835,150,000 for youth empowerment through skills acquisition training, marking a significant investment in the state's human capital development.

This approval was granted during the 15th Anambra State Executive Council meeting held at the Light House in Awka, the state capital.

The initiative, codenamed "One Youth Two Skills," now in its second batch, is designed to equip young people with dual skills and provide them with seed capital to establish their own businesses upon completion of training.

According to a press statement issued by Dr. Law Mefor, the Commissioner for Information, the first cohort of the program has been assessed and deemed successful, prompting the government's commitment to making the second cohort even more impactful.

"The Council has reviewed the success of Cohort 1 of the Soludo administration's flagship youth empowerment program. 7,163 out of 11,000 trainees excelled in 65 skill areas. Additionally, 235 Umuboi (apprentices) from the Local Enterprise Development of 21 local governments in the state were successful," the statement read.

The commissioner further revealed that over 1,000 millionaires emerged from graduates of the first cohort, highlighting the program's potential for wealth creation and economic empowerment.

Breakdown of the N2.8 Billion Approval

The N2,835,150,000 approved by the council has been allocated to various components of the program as follows:

  • N2,588,520,000 for the One Youth Two Skills business financing scheme

  • N141,900,000 for the One Youth Two Skills cooperatives start-up

  • N73,230,000 for graduation and certification

  • N31,000,000 for the One Youth Two Skills mentorship scheme

  • N500,000 as a consolation to a bereaved family

Mefor added that the council also awarded other contracts, including the Awka City Park Project, which has already commenced. The park is intended to provide environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits to Awka, while delivering social, health, and economic advantages to residents.

This substantial investment in youth empowerment aligns with Governor Soludo's vision of creating a livable and prosperous state, addressing unemployment challenges, and fostering entrepreneurship among Anambra youths.

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