Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has disbursed N3.5 billion in grants to 8,300 youths under his administration’s digital skills initiative, One-Youth-Two-Skills Plus.
The beneficiaries received their grants during a graduation and certification ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka. Participants were drawn from Anambra and beyond.
Governor Soludo noted that the scheme, launched in October 2022, was in line with his pledge to produce 1,000 millionaires annually in the state.
He added that funds had also been set aside through the Anambra Small Business Agency to provide loans for participants who wish to expand their enterprises.
State Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba, described the programme as transformative, while the chairman of the scheme, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, reported a 48 percent increase in participation and urged scholars and youths to adopt the model.
The first cohort in 2023 empowered 5,000 youths with N2 billion, with over 1,000 of them now running successful ventures.
Some beneficiaries testified that the training and support had enabled them to become employers of labour.
The administration’s innovation-driven training programmes include One-Youth-Two-Skills, Code Anambra for digital skills, and the One Million Digital Tribe. Graduates were also rewarded with laptops and employment opportunities to enhance their productivity.
In a related development, the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) recently approved additional training and a code of conduct for law enforcement agents to strengthen operations and promote a liveable homeland.
Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the move was part of Governor Soludo’s broader reforms across key sectors.
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