Ebonyi Govt flags off Training of 100 Youths on Modern ICT Skills

The Ebonyi State Government has commenced the training of 100 youths selected across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state in a three-month intensive programme on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other modern skills.

The flag-off ceremony, held at Re-Meritona Hotel and Suites, Abakaliki, was performed on behalf of Governor Francis Nwifuru by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije-Ogwa. Governor Nwifuru, in his address, urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously, stressing that the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment in line with the People’s Charter of Needs manifesto.

He explained that the government had chosen skill acquisition over cash empowerment, describing it as a more sustainable way to address economic challenges. “We are flagging off the training of one hundred of our youths today, knowing the importance of ICT and how it will help them to become self-reliant. The best form of empowerment is teaching one how to fish and not just giving him fish,” he stated.

The organizer who is the Commissioner for Skills Development and Job Creation, Hon. Elijah Okwu-Oko, commended the governor for investing in the future of Ebonyi youths. He assured that the ministry would ensure the programme meets its target while cautioning participants against absenteeism and negligence. “His Excellency has, since assuming office, trained over one thousand youths in modern farming, sponsored another set in both foreign and local scholarships, and today we are raising one hundred more in modern skills acquisition. Any beneficiary found defaulting or absent will lose this opportunity,” Okwu-Oko warned.

A facilitator and entrepreneur, Mrs. Nwachi Genevieve Oluchi, CEO of Geolanor Interior Studio, described skills as the “new currency of success.” She emphasized that the training would empower participants to become self-sufficient. Our correspondent reports that the three-month training will cover ICT, Interior Design, Social Media Management, and other modern vocational areas.