Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, has told South East Governors and other stakeholders to sustain efforts towards reviving apprenticeship schemes for which Ndigbo are known.
Chief Ogene said this would help the zone tackle the challenges of unemployment, crime and other social vices.
Speaking in Awka , Chief Okeke Ogene recalled that the apprenticeship scheme in the past promoted a sense of enterprise and self-reliance among Ndigbo that advanced human capital development in the region.
He regretted that some crafts like palm wine tapping, blacksmithing, basket and mat weaving are no longer attractive to youths and the upcoming generation. He pointed out that refocusing attention and applying technology to such crafts would expand the scope of employment and revenue generation that would further raise per capital income.
Chief Okeke Ogene called for review of the academic curriculum to accommodate more technical and vocational subjects that would equip students with necessary skills to become self-reliant after school, noting that apprenticeship schemes remain more effective and efficient in inculcating skills and knowledge in young people than industrial training.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his sustained efforts in equipping and empowering youths with skills to become productive and create employment for others.
He stressed the need for value reorientation to discourage youths from the get-rich-quick syndrome.
