For 154 youths from the 9 Niger Delta States, it was a dream come true as their hopes of becoming employers of labour got a boost.
Last week, after a two-week intensive training, they were unleashed to the world of entrepreneurship. It was sponsored in partnership with Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Tech-U and Dosmark & CJ Oil
In addition to a host of innovative skills required for successful business operations, they were trained in fishery and poultry, thus becoming alumni of the institution’s Centre for Technical, Vocational Entrepreneurship Training, TVET.
At the closing ceremony of the training, the minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Usani, who was represented by the director of Economic Empowerment Directorate of the Ministry, Mr. Ibrahim Akanya, explained that the empowerment was necessitated by the need to develop the manpower capacity of the Niger Delta region.
According to him, “development is not about physical infrastructure alone, but also about developing the requisite manpower that can propel the development of the region. We are interested in developing both physical infrastructure and human capital to be able to enhance significantly the quality of living in the Niger Delta region”.
Commending Tech-U for the quality of training given to the beneficiaries, some of whom were recent returnees from Libya, Akanya charged the participants to put to good use the skills they have acquired at the University.
This is just as he also admonished the participants to judiciously deploy the take-off grant given to them to kick-start a truly rewarding entrepreneurial life.
Urging them to be themselves, Akanya said that there are other opportunities ahead of them if they excel. “If you do well, you can approach the Bank of Industry, BOI. You can consult for the ministry. This programme was designed in order to encourage the youth of the region. About 200 million was budgeted for this year alone. We plan for 1000 youths. Another training is ongoing at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Asaba and other places. Beneficiaries are selected from each of the states in the region, though there are programmes that are specific to some states in the region.”
He continued: “The minister is passionate about the programme. The region has a large number of people who need development. Development is not about infrastructure. We are not developed. We are not empowered. Empowerment programme is very important for the people of Niger Delta. We have two forms of empowerment; the one you have acquired, the money- nobody can collect it from you. The training- this is a special opportunity that no one can take away from you. It is very unfortunate that most of you value the money you will be given. Develop yourself. Utilize the stipends no matter how small it is. Start small. We started this programme six year ago. Don’t be misled that you have money. Use the stipend meaningfully. The greatest thing you have acquired here is the skill.
“Tech-U holds the conviction that a truly productive nation must necessarily be pivoted on sustained and strategic investment in human capital development. Therefore, this programme, in addition to the otherunique offerings anchored on the innovative model of education we are known for, as a socially responsive corporate entity, reflects our avowed commitment to making Nigeria work by getting her young people empowered for wealth creation.
“So far, since the commencement of this initiative, about 350 youths have been trained in diverse skillsand our target is to have at least 1000 beneficiaries before the end of 2019. We are on a mission to spearheading a silent revolution that would ultimately disrupt Nigeria’s economy for good. We therefore call on other well-meaning citizens and agencies to work with us as we seek to create a brighter future for our nation.
“I would like to specially congratulate all our 154 beneficiaries from the Niger Delta region of the country, who are the latest addition to our bourgeoning list of ambassadors. You have, through this programme, been conferred with the prestigious status of TVET alumni of the University and this naturally places a responsibility on your shoulders to live as change agents within a citizenry yearning for hope.Going by our fledging reputation as a unique citadel of learning with positively disruptive educational model, it is indeed a proud heritage. Hence, we expect you to not only put to practice all that you have been exposed to, but to also exemplify the best entrepreneurial practices that would make you create wealth and become a notable employers of labour.
“As you all know, as part of this package powered by the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Abuja, asum of N300, 000 would be credited to you as a take-off grant. It is my sincere hope and admonition that you deploy this fund judiciously and kick-start for yourselfa truly rewarding entrepreneurial life,” he added.
Beneficiaries commended the ministry, Tech-U as well as the consultant for the training.
He pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, to build successful businesses that would justify the Ministry’s investment in the initiative.
