Hope for Nigeria in partnership with The Team Nwa-Abia Movement has flagged off skills acquisition programme aimed at training over ten thousand Abia youths in various skills.
Speaking at the occasion which held at Nkwoachara civic hall, Isingwu in Umuahia North LGA, the national president, Hope for Nigeria, Mr Kerry Osholeye, said they were in Abia several months ago to set the pace for the commencement of the skills acquisition programme, a national program aimed at training the youths in their areas of endeavour in order to make them independent and self-sufficient.
He said in Abia ten thousand youths are being targeted for the skills programme of their choice, adding that within two months all involved will begin to benefit from the training program.
Mr Osholeye noted that they have a well-structured data base of all beneficiaries. “When we talk of skills, we are giving you for free, we are not just teaching you how to fish but making you to be independent.
He urged the state and federal government to key into the program which is capable of empowering the youths, and reducing the level of unemployment and poverty.
He appreciated the Abia state coordinator, Nene Chukwuma for doing a good job adding that the aim of the programme is to ensure that more youths are self- employed.
The founder of Team Nwa-Abia Movement and Chairman of the occasion Chief Chris Akachukwu Nwa-Abia, said when he was approached about the programme, he saw the importance and need of helping the youths get to their feet and become self-reliant.
Chris Akachukwu Nwa-Abia who has already registered over 500 youths in Ohuhu for the programme, stressed the importance of acquiring skills adding that he has acquired over 13 different skills.
“When I was told about the program, I keyed into it and promised to give my support, now that the skills acquisition has been flagged off, I promise we are going to do more”, Chris Nwa-Abia disclosed.
The representative of Abia First Lady, Mrs Ifeoma Thomas said, today is historic for the beneficiaries from the 17 LGAs of the state, adding that Mrs Otti is happy to identify with such a laudable program capable of making the youths independent.
Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, who is the special adviser to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups said, Mrs Otti recently with Society for Family Health, trained and empowered over 300 youths and equipped them with start-up packs.
In her address, the Abia State coordinator of Hope for Nigeria, Mrs Nene Chukwuma said Abia chapter was inaugurated seven months ago, explaining that the NGO has the plan to empower youths from the 17 LGAs through skills acquisition.
She said they will be training the youths in fabrics, shoe making and fashion and designs, catering, barbing, hair dressing among others.
