The Anambra State Government has concluded plans to support 8,300 youths with N3.5 billion under the second batch of its ‘1Youth2Skills Plus’ programme, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.
Mr. Patrick Aghamba, the state Commissioner for Youth Development, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Awka. He explained that the empowerment package is designed to enable beneficiaries to start or expand businesses after completing entrepreneurial and vocational training.
“The graduation and empowerment ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, at the International Conference Centre, Awka. Governor Chukwuma Soludo will personally hand over financial support packages to the beneficiaries,” Aghamba said. He added that the governor would also unveil other initiatives aimed at nurturing a new generation of millionaires and smart entrepreneurs in the state.
The commissioner recalled that the first batch of the programme empowered 5,000 youths, providing N2 billion in financial support alongside mentorship and cooperative assistance. “The government expanded the initiative to include more youths and ensure they are adequately supported in their entrepreneurial pursuits,” he said.
Aghamba highlighted that Soludo’s administration is committed to positioning Anambra as a hub of innovation, productivity, and prosperity. “We appreciate the governor for sustaining this revolutionary investment in the future of Anambra youths. I urge the beneficiaries to view the support not as a handout but as a challenge to innovate, grow, and become job creators for multiplier effects across the state,” he added.
The ‘1Youth2Skills’ programme is a capacity-building workshop that trains youths in diverse sectors, including agriculture, ICT, fashion, crafts, services, and cake making.
In a related development, the Anambra government recently announced plans to construct another airport at Ndikelionwu, Orumba North Local Government Area, less than four years after inaugurating the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport in Umeri.
