By : Chizoba Anthony Akalugo
Senator representing Imo East in imo State Senatorial district , Distinguished Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi , have been trained , empowered hundreds of youths from Imo East Senatorial District with start-up tools and equipment after completing a skills acquisition programme facilitated by Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi in partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The grand finale and graduation ceremony was held at the *NASENI Skills Acquisition Centre, Owerri North LGA, Imo State* - a centre built under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) in collaboration with Senator Onyewuchi who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI.
Beneficiaries drawn from the 9 LGAs of Imo East - Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri West , Ngor Okpala, Ikeduru, Ezinihite Mbaitoli , Owerri Municipal and Owerri North - were trained in *Artificial Intelligence, ICT, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Mobile Phone Repairs*, other tracks at the centre include solar installation, graphic design, printing and other technical areas.
At the end of the intensive training, trainees were issued certificates of completion and given take-off grants and starter packs to launch their own businesses.
Speaking at the event, Senator Onyewuchi said the initiative was designed to equip constituents, especially young people, with practical skills and tools needed to become economically independent.
Senator , stated that, "this programme is part of my commitment to create real opportunities for our people to acquire skills that can translate into sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Oluchi Obioha , from Owerri west , who trained in phone repair , said she received full starter kits to help her start her own business .
She expressed happiness to be one of the beneficiaries , adding that she joined the programme with no experience in phone repair , but now "I have the knowledge and materials to start".
NASENI, centre was earlier commissioned by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who commended NASENI and Senator Onyewuchi, describing it as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and economic development.
“This is not about giving people fish; it is about teaching them how to fish,” Uzodimma said while urging that graduates be supported with start-up capital to establish businesses.
Speaking at the event, *Hon. Chiaka Alozie and Comrade Ikechukwu Nworgu , Personal Advisers to Distinguished Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi*, commended the Senator for his consistent commitment to human capital development and youth empowerment in Imo East.
According to them, Senator Onyewuchi has continued to demonstrate uncommon leadership by attracting impactful projects and creating real opportunities for his constituents to become self-reliant.
Hon. Chiaka , noted that the NASENI centre and the empowerment programme is a clear testament to the Senator's dedication to tackling unemployment, poverty and restiveness through practical skills and entrepreneurship.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Senator and promised to put the skills and starter packs into judicious use to better their lives and contribute to the development of the zone.
0 Comments