Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has trained and empowered 100 young people with market-ready skills and start-up equipment as part of ongoing efforts to build a skilled, self-reliant workforce in the state.
The beneficiaries completed a three-month intensive vocational programme, which ran from August 15 to November 15, 2025. The initiative was organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Job Creation in partnership with Genolanor Interior Design, Abuja.
According to the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, the programme aligns with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s commitment to youth development as outlined in the People’s Charter of Needs.
Oketa, in a statement on Monday, said the training covered four major skill clusters—ICT, building and construction, interior design, and various production fields.
He said the participants received hands-on training in interior design, solar panel installation, and a range of digital and ICT skills, including Microsoft Office, data analysis, web design, and graphics design.
“Experts drawn from relevant industries facilitated the sessions, ensuring that trainees not only understood theoretical concepts but also acquired solid practical competencies that can immediately translate into jobs or entrepreneurial ventures.
“At the end of the programme, beneficiaries demonstrated marked improvement in their chosen skill areas, with some already working toward establishing their own businesses.
“To support this next phase, the state government distributed start-up tools and materials such as laptops, solar installation toolkits, interior design software, and other trade-specific equipment,” he said.
Oketa noted that the empowerment programme is part of Governor Nwifuru’s broader strategy to equip Ebonyi youths with the skills needed to thrive in a modern, technology-driven economy.
He added that the administration remains committed to raising a generation of young people who are skilled, confident, and economically independent.
With this latest empowerment drive, Ebonyi State continues to set the pace in youth development and practical skills training, giving young people the tools they need to secure a productive and sustainable future.
