IBEZIM JOINS SOLUDO AS HE GRADUATES 8,300 YOUTHS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME, VOWS TO DOUBLE NEXT YEAR’S INTA

IBEZIM JOINS SOLUDO AS HE GRADUATES 8,300 YOUTHS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME, VOWS TO DOUBLE NEXT YEAR’S INTAKE 

~Chioma Nwamah-Ahamefula 

In a bid to tackle unemployment and foster economic self-reliance among young ndi Anambra the State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, on Tuesday September 30,2025 graduated 8,300 youths who successfully completed the second phase of the state government’s “One Youth, Two Skills” entrepreneurial development programme.

The graduation ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre in Awka, attracted key government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and the jubilant beneficiaries from across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Addressing the graduands, Governor Soludo described them as “special,” hailing their resilience and commitment to learning. The Governor, emphasized that the initiative is part of his administration’s strategic blueprint to create a prosperous and productive Anambra.

“These 8,300 young men and women are not just skilled; they are the architects of a new Anambra and a better Nigeria. They have acquired hands-on knowledge across over 68 entrepreneurial areas—from fashion design and welding to farming and solar installation,” Soludo said.

“This is just the beginning. Our goal is to double this number by next year and continue empowering our youth to become job creators instead of job seekers,” he added as he announced post-graduation support for the participants.

Speaking to the press after the event, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim echoed the Governor’s optimism, describing the programme as a “revolutionary intervention” in youth development.

“What we witnessed today is not just a graduation but it’s a turning point,” Dr. Ibezim said.

“We are very deliberate in our mission to develop human capital. With over 8,000 youths empowered with practical skills, we’re taking a significant step toward reducing crime, unemployment, and hopelessness. It’s about dignity. It’s about giving young people a sense of purpose and direction.”

He praised the dedication of the facilitators and the Ministry of Youth Development for executing the program seamlessly and reaffirmed the government's readiness to continue investing in youth-focused policies.

Many of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government, sharing testimonies of how the training has transformed their lives and rekindled their hope for a better future.

The “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative is part of Governor Soludo’s larger People’s Manifesto, aiming to build a liveable and prosperous homeland by investing in human capital and stimulating grassroots innovation.

Congratulations!!!

@highlight