Not less than 3,000 youths from Akwa Ibom have received start up grants in a special skill acquisition scheme aimed at improving human capital development initiated by the state government
Flagged off about a year ago, the scheme is meant to equip participants with entrepreneurial/ managerial skills, value re-orientation and attitudinal change in areas such as Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Information and Communication Technology and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES)
At the graduation ceremony of the first 3,000 beneficiaries in Uyo yesterday, Governor Udom Emmanuel advised them to make judicious use of the acquired skills and start-up grants for higher productivity and self development.
Represented by the deputy governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, the Emmanuel charged them not to sell the laptops and other kits provided but to see the starter packs as empowerment tools to advance their personal development.
Being a critical component of his administration to create employment opportunities and wealth for Akwa Ibom people, the governor said the project is one of the platforms for the implementation of the 8-point Completion Agenda comprising Human Capacity Development, Industrialization, Agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
He noted that the scheme was designed to accomodate youths and women due to the significant role they play in community development which account for about 48 per cent of the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He assured that with the training, unemployment would be tackled in the state, while also offering graduands the opportunity to secure lucrative employment in multinational companies and large scale industries.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Engineer Camillus Umoh stated that the graduation ceremony was the first phase of the Ibom Project meant to train 3000 beneficiaries from each of the three senatorial districts of the state.
Umoh explained that the aim of the scheme was to endow youths with basic skills to enhance their small businesses and enable them secure jobs in multinationals and other business concerns.
While appreciating the Governor for actualizing his vision of human capacity development through the project, he lauded the facilitators and trainees for diligence exhibited in the course of the training and revealed that plans for the second phase was already underway.
