The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process and Public Procurement, Dr Oluebube Chukwu has lauded the transformative agenda of Governor Alex Otti in Youth Empowerment as the world celebrates World Skills Day 2024.
Recall that the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, declared July 15th as World Youth Skills Day, to recognize the strategic importance of equipping young people with the skills needed for employment, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
Dr Chukwu who described this year’s theme; “Youth Skills for Peace and Development“, as apt, said it resonates deeply with the transformational initiatives spearheaded by Governor Otti to equip Abia’s young population with the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
He highlighted the achievements of the present government in youth empowerment and job creation pointing out that Governor Otti has taken significant steps towards empowering the youths with essential skills to address youth unemployment across the 17 LGAs gf state.
Chukwu who noted that the disbursement of Interest-Free Revolving Loans to empower 10, 000 business owners across the 184 wards in the State, said 70% of the beneficiaries in the 1st batch are women and young people.
“Governor Otti recognizes the important role of agriculture in addressing food security and curbing unemployment, that was why he recently organized a capacity-building training for the first batch of 300 youths.
“These young individuals just concluded their comprehensive “Modern Agricultural Skills and Training Programme” at the CSS Global Integrated Farms in Nasarawa State where they were equally empowered.
“Furthering his commitment to skill development, Governor Otti has announced the establishment of tuition-free schools across Abia’s three senatorial zones. These specialized institutions will focus on imparting skills that are currently in high demand.
“Moreover, to create employment opportunities for youths through sports, Governor Otti has launched the Abia State Football ‘Supalig,’ Nigeria’s first state-wide football league.
“His Excellency has also sponsored the participation of 26 individuals in Cyber Security Certification examinations to enhance cybersecurity expertise and to fortify digital infrastructure within the state”, he noted.
The Governor’s Aide who is also the Founder of the Oluebube A. Chukwu Foundation (OACF) disclosed that the Foundation support education and skills development initiatives, such as scholarships, vocational training, and literacy programs.
He therefore called on stakeholders to contribute to youth development by providing resources, training and mentorship programs to encourage the young people.
“World Youth Skills Day is not merely an annual event; it is a clarion call to action.
“It urges us to invest in our youth, to ensure they have access to quality education, and provide them with opportunities to reach their full potential”, Chukwu concluded.
