The Anambra State government has launched the 2024 Youth Empowerment and Reformation Initiative, targeting young people across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The program, designed to reach youths from various backgrounds, including the working class, aims to equip them with essential life skills, reshape their mindsets, and instill strong moral values. The initiative seeks to curb anti-social behaviors and reintegrate participants into society as positive change agents through value re-orientation and critical training processes.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Onitsha North Council Headquarters, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, emphasized that the workshop aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to nurturing young people as valuable human capital. He noted that the program’s theme, “Moving From The Street To Self-Realization For Self-Actualization,” is intended to provide participants with the guidance needed to lead more productive and meaningful lives.
Mr. Agha Mba recalled Governor Soludo’s initial promise, upon assuming office, to eradicate social vices, such as touting, and to implement programs that would positively transform the lives of youths involved in anti-social activities. He asserted that the Governor has not only fulfilled but exceeded these promises.
The Youth Commissioner highlighted several youth enterprise development programs that aim to uplift the youth both socially and economically. These include the “1 Youth, 2 Skills Solution” initiative, which has trained and empowered 5,000 youths, with an additional 8,620 expected to benefit from the next phase. He also mentioned the “Solution Innovation District (SID)” initiative, where over 22,000 youths have been trained in digital skills through the “Level-up Anambra” and “Code Anambra” programs.
The Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Anthony Nworah, expressed his admiration for Governor Soludo’s youth-focused initiatives and urged young people to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their lives.
In a presentation on drug abuse, the Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Daniel Onyishi, represented by Assistant Commandant Mr. Christopher Adabor, advised youths to reassess their social circles and make the most of every positive opportunity available to them.
Rev. Goodwill Mba, another speaker at the event, delivered a lecture on “Seven Keys to Greatness,” stressing the importance of self-discovery, diligence, maintaining like-minded friendships, having a strong relationship with God, identifying mentors, determination to succeed, and seizing positive opportunities as essential factors for achieving one’s dreams.
In response, participants Messrs Anthony Adiba and Chukwuebuka Igwebuike expressed their gratitude to Governor Soludo for his dedication to youth welfare. They pledged to avoid drug abuse and other social vices.
The highlight of the event was the formal enrollment of participants into the “1 Youth, 2 Skills Solution” initiative.
