The Anambra State Government has commenced the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries of the One-Youth-Two-Skills Plus Empowerment Programme in Awka North and Awka South Local Government Areas, as part of efforts to strengthen youth-led enterprises and drive entrepreneurship across the state.
The initiative, backed by a N3.5 billion startup grant, targets over 8,300 graduates of the scheme who were trained in various technical and vocational fields.
In Awka North, the exercise took place in Achalla under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Anambra State Social and Civic Reformation Office, Chuka Nnabuife. In Awka South, it was coordinated by Emeka Omata, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, who urged beneficiaries to invest the funds productively and expand their businesses.
Among the beneficiaries were Nkechi Menkiti, trained in bakery and confectionery, who received N380,000; and Nkemjika Udegbunam and Ejike Olutum, both trained in rice farming and processing, who received N350,000 each. Others, including Chimaoge Enekwechi, Antonia Onyemobi, and Chisom Onyekwuba, have already established small businesses that provide local employment opportunities.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba, described the program as “a transformational model for youth empowerment and SME growth.”
Chairman of the scheme, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, reported a 48% increase in participation and encouraged more young people to embrace the program as a sustainable growth path.
The empowerment initiative is part of the state’s broader agenda to promote innovation and capacity-building through programs such as Code Anambra, the One Million Digital Tribe Project, and other digital and vocational skill initiatives.
