Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, has empowered youths in his constituency through a one-week training programme on digital skills, soft skills, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the programme on Saturday, Hon. Atu said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical, in-demand skills necessary for today’s global job market.
He noted that the programme was also aimed at steering youths away from anti-social vices by providing them with tools to become productive members of society.
“The youth constitute over 63 percent—perhaps even 65 percent—of Nigeria’s population. Given their numbers, they must be carried along in nation-building and decision-making processes,” Atu said. “When you want to build a house, you don’t start from the roof—you start from the foundation. The foundation of this country lies with the youth.”
According to the lawmaker, the initiative was not just about skills acquisition but also about addressing deeper socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and poverty.
“Many of our youths are idle, and this idleness often leads to crime and insecurity.Atu explained
“But when you train and empower them, they become productive. Their focus shifts from criminality to creativity,” Atu explained.
He further emphasized that the programme also aimed at achieving financial empowerment for the beneficiaries.
“When young people have jobs and marketable skills, they attain financial independence. That, in turn, drives national economic growth,” he added.
Graduates of the programme received starter packs, including laptops, to help kick-start their careers and business ventures.
The training featured modules on the use of AI tools, content generation, and soft skills development, among others.
