Okonkwo Samuel
By Njikoka LG Media
Njikoka, September 3, 2024 – The second phase of the “1 Youth 2 Skills” Solution program kicked off 3rd September with a value re-orientation workshop at Chime Hall, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area. This initiative, which aims to empower youth through skill acquisition and value re-orientation, is a key part of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s strategy to combat unemployment and reduce crime among young people in Anambra State.
The day’s event started with the arrival and accreditation of participants at 9:00 AM, with both trainees and master trainers registering their attendance.
At 10:00 AM, the event officially commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the Youth Anthem, which filled the hall with energy and enthusiasm from the young participants.
Next, Hon. Barr Chinedu Ononiba, Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, representing the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, delivered the opening address. In his speech, Hon. Ononiba welcomed the trainees and highlighted the importance of value re-orientation as a foundation for success in the “1 Youth 2 Skills” program. He stressed the commitment of the Anambra State Government to youth development, referencing the first phase of the program, which empowered 5,000 youths and supported business startups with a N2 billion grant. He officially declared the workshop open, encouraging all participants to engage actively and take full advantage of the skills being imparted.
Following the opening address, the first lecture presentation was delivered by Mr. Leonard Nwadike, the facilitator of the “1 Youth 2 Skills” program. The presentation provided a background on the ‘1 Youth 2 Skills Solution’ program, outlining its goals, structure, and expected outcomes. The session was aimed at helping the trainees understand the opportunities available to them. The lecture lasted 20 minutes, during which participants listened attentively and asked questions.
The second lecture, also delivered by Mr. Leonard Nwadike, focused on Anambra’s core values, emphasizing the importance of discipline, hard work, and integrity. This session also ran for 20 minutes and served as a critical component in shaping the attitudes and mindsets of the youth, aligning them with the state’s vision of a responsible and productive citizenry.
By mid-morning, participants were treated to a refreshment break, which lasted 20 minutes, allowing them time to network and relax before the next segment of the program.
The workshop continued with goodwill messages from notable dignitaries, including Hon. Jude Akpua, representing Njikoka 2 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. In his speech, Hon. Akpua commended Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and the impact of the “1 Youth 2 Skills” program. He also provided a support fund of N200,000 and Hon. Chidiebere Ibemeka, representing Njikoka 1 constituency in the Anambra States House of Assembly also provided N100,000 to encourage the trainees and offered his ongoing support throughout the program. Representatives from the Abagana Welfare Union and the APGA Local Government Chairman also delivered goodwill messages, urging the trainees to seize the opportunity presented by the program.
The event drew to a close with a vote of thanks by Hon. Barr Chinedu Ononiba, who expressed his gratitude to Governor Soludo, Commissioner Patrick Agha Mba, and all the dignitaries present for their commitment to youth empowerment in Njikoka. He also thanked the trainees for their participation and encouraged them to apply the skills and knowledge gained in their respective fields.
Interviews with some of the trainees, including Azomah Chimezie from Nawfia Ward 1, Ikem Chidinma Rosemary from Enugwu-Ukwu, and Okonkwo Ifunanya from Nawfia, reflected their enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the program. They commended Governor Soludo and Commissioner Agha Mba for the initiative, pledging their support for the governor’s re-election.
Lastly, Mr. Leonard Nwadike encouraged those who were not selected for this batch to remain patient as the next batch would soon be announced. He assured them that future opportunities would be available to participate in this life-changing initiative.
