500 Youths Lifted Out Of Unemployment In Anaocha’s Historic Empowerment Drive
By Marvelous Ezenwa
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and poverty, the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Romanus Ibekwe, has empowered 500 youths with vocational training and startup equipment across various skill sets. The program, one of the largest of its kind in Anaocha and Anambra State at large, marks a significant milestone in grassroots development and economic empowerment.
The empowerment program, executed through the office of the Mayor, covered a wide range of skills including cake baking, decoration, hairdressing, cosmetology, shoemaking, tailoring, fashion design, computer literacy, bag making, make-up artistry, solar energy installation, and catering services. Each participant not only received hands-on training but was also equipped with the necessary tools to launch their businesses independently.
This initiative, described by many as “one of a kind,” ensures that these 500 previously unemployed youths are now equipped to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. It is expected to significantly reduce poverty, youth restivenes, and crime in Anaocha, creating a ripple effect of socio-economic growth across the communities.
Beneficiaries of the program were carefully selected from the 10 towns that constitute Anaocha Local Government Area, with approximately 50 youths representing each community. The inclusive structure underscores the administration’s commitment to fair and equal development.
Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, lauded Mayor Ibekwe for aligning with the state’s vision of empowering young people. He noted that the initiative complements the Governor’s flagship “One Youth, Two Skills” program aimed at building a skilled and self-sufficient youth population.
Hon. Ibekwe, in his address, reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the empowerment program. He announced that plans are already underway for the next phase of skills acquisition, encouraging more young people to take advantage of the opportunity.
According to him, empowering youths is not only a solution to unemployment but also a tool to combat insecurity, apathy, and social vices.
He further emphasized that the success of the program is a testimony to what can be achieved when leadership is visionary and people-oriented. “A greater Anaocha is possible with all our collective efforts,” Ibekwe declared. “Together, we can create a future where our youths are not just empowered but are also proud contributors to our society.”
In a bold political statement, Hon. Ibekwe threw his full support behind Governor Soludo, endorsing him for a second term in office. He praised the Governor’s people-driven policies and programs, noting that the transformational work being done across the state deserves continuity. “Governor Soludo has shown the leadership we need—one that prioritizes the future. I join other progressive voices in endorsing him for a second term,” he stated.
Aghamba reiterated the Governor’s full support for the Anaocha initiative and assured that the state government would continue to back projects that invest in the capacity and future of Anambra youth. He emphasized that youth empowerment remains a top priority for the Soludo administration.
The event, held at Anaocha Council Headquarters, attracted a host of dignitaries including traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and senior government officials. Among them were Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, member representing Anaocha II Constituency; Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information; Hon. Patrick Estate Onyedum, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission; Dr. Afam Obidike, Commissioner for Health; Mayor of Idemili, Hon. Amaka Obi; and several Presidents-General of town unions. The celebration not only marked a triumph for youth empowerment but also reaffirmed Anaocha’s place as a pacesetter in grassroots development in Anambra State.
