The local government Chairman, Aniocha south local government area of Delta State, Jude Chukwunwike has extolled the economic empowerment programme of the State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the gesture is unprecedented.
The Council Chairman, expressed delight over the continuous economic empowerment of farmers, artisans, small business holders, men and women alike in the State.
Represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Prince Emordi Okonjo, he described the governor’s economic blueprint, which has placed the state on the map of fastest developing states in Nigeria with a catalogue of multi-sectoral projects doting the nooks and crannies of the state, as a model for good governance.
The exercise was conducted at Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha south local government area of the state.
Chukwunwike commended the efforts of Governor Okowa for initiating the programme and nurturing it to fruition.
He noted that the materials would help improve the livelihood of youths across the State by enabling them to actualize their dreams of being entrepreneurs, employers of labour and engaging in creating wealth.
“It has been a long journey. It shows the seriousness that the government of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has placed on this programme.
“He is a man that superintendent whatever he starts to completion. I also commend the vision of the Commissioner in the Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ifeanyi Michael Egwunyenga.
The governor said the entrepreneurship initiative began to bring sustainable development to students living across various communities in the State.
The governor who was representated by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said TEP is to support students by building their capacity and providing them with strong mentorship support so as to realize their dream through venture capital arrangements.
Also, the Commissioner for Youth, in the State, Mr. Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, thanked Okowa for providing the leadership for the success of the programme throughout its duration. The governor is a goal-getter with an uncommon passion for breaking new grounds”, Egwunyenga said.
The Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Programme (TEP), the programme for empowering graduates of higher institutions with requisite skills for entrepreneurship and wealth creation, has recorded milestones as 142 participants received starter packs in their choice areas to begin their business ventures.
The recipients are graduates who attended the 10-day Boot Camp held at the State NYSC Camp, Issele-Uku.
It was the turn of Aniocha South where Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, executive chairman of the council, was on hand to witness the distribution of starter packs to beneficiaries in the LGA under the auspices of the Delta State Ministry of Youth Development.
Of the 170 people who participated in the Entrepreneurship Master Class (EMC), a total of 142 representing, 81% attended the 10-day long Boot Camp which held at the State NYSC Camp Issele-Uku from 9-19 July 2022. The Boot Camp was characterized by:
* 4 weeks internship programme
* 2 weeks incubation where participants conceptualized their business plans
* 1 week business plans submission/pitching exercise.
In Saturday’s event, 125 finalists emerged as the beneficiaries of the TEP programme.
The event also attracted other personalities, including the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Ashibuogwu Kingsley Afam and a host of other government officials.
