Member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Moses Essien, has floated a six million naira apprenticeship programme for 61 youths drawn from all the wards in the constituency.
Essien, who is the chairman of the House committees on health, nutrition and food security made the donation during the 2024 summit of the Ibiono Ibom Youth for Democracy and Development, IBIYODED, held at the Ikpa Pavilion on Wednesday.
The lawmaker also presented one million, one hundred and thirty thousand naira financial support to 113 Ibiono Ibom students studying in various institutions of higher learning across the country.
He said the apprenticeship scheme was in fulfilment of his campaign promises and a mark of appreciation for the level of support he has received from members of his constituency.
He reasoned that the empowerment programme, which was initiated in line with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, would provide the beneficiaries with the requisite skills and knowledge for self-reliance and job creation opportunities.
Essien, a pioneer national president of the youth group, charged the beneficiaries to commit themselves to the training schedules and modules of the programme in order to maximise the benefits of the scheme.
Speaking, the chairman on the occasion, Hon Asuakak Umoh, lauded the lawmaker for initiating the programme, which he reasoned was a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents.
Umoh who is also the council chairman of Ibiono Ibom local government area, pledged the council’s support to the programme with the sum of five hundred thousand naira.
In his remarks, the international president of IBIYODED, Comrade Godwin Asanga, described the group as a formidable and foremost youth association in the area which has played a key role in fostering unity, progress, and development and peaceful coexistence amongst the various groups in Ibiono Ibom.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for approving the award of contract for the construction of Nsai Use-Use Ikot Amama-Ikot Esifa road and other projects in the area.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries of the programme, Etimbuk Anietie Solomon expressed gratitude to the House of Assembly member for sponsoring the programme which he noted would assist Ibiono Ibom youths in acquiring vocational skills needed in today’s economy.
He assured that the beneficiaries would take advantage of the opportunities offered by the scheme.
