FUNAI TRAINS YOUTHS OF HOST COMMUNITY ON SKILLS ACQUISITION
The Federal Univesity Ndufu- Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State is set to train over 100 youths of its host community in various skills acquisition schemes as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. The training is in partnership with the Folk Technical College, Ikwo and part of the 5th phase of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) in Ebonyi state.
In his address during the flag-off ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba explained that the idea of empowering the youths of the host community in the area of skills acquisition and entrepreneurial development stemmed from the concern the University Management has for their development and in appreciation of the community’s hospitality over the last 5 years. He maintained that the latent qualities of the youths would be properly galvanized and harnessed through the programme to stir them into the right ventures.
VC’s Rep. and Director, University Entrepreneurship and Employability Centre, Dr. Oguguo Egwu addressing the participants on the occasion
The Vice Chancellor who was represented in the event by the Director, University Enterpreneurship and Employability Centre, Dr. Ogugua Egwu noted that the programme would be sustained for the benefits of all, stressing that the University will continue to partner the host community to ensure social equilibrium in the University.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated the University’s willingness in diverting the attentions of the youths from nefarious activities by opening this new vista of opportunity where they can be trained to be useful not only to themselves, but also their community.
He further pledged the University’s continued partnership with ITF, NISDP and other relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies in the organization of capacity building programmes for students, staff and members of its host community in order to ensure that people are equipped with the specific skills and knowledge to be self reliant and employable.
Earlier in his address during the ceremony held at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki on Friday, the 19th of August 2016, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief Dave Nweze Umahi said the youths need to be seriously engaged in human capacity development to dissuade them from social vices and other nefarious activities.
Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi (C) speaking in the event while the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe (L) and Ag. Director General, ITF, Mr. Dickson Onuoha (R) listen with keen interest
Chief Umahi commended the efforts of the University management for keying into the policies of the Federal and state governments in the area of youths development, adding that his government will continue to partner with all relevant agencies and stakeholders for the sustainable development of every segments of Ebonyi State.
In her opening address, the Area Manager of NISDP, Mrs Linda Egbuonu explained that ”the NISDP is a technical and vocational skills training programme designed to equip the youth with self and relevant employable skill, aimed at reducing poverty and creating employment for our teaming unemployed youths”.
Mrs. Egbuonu further stated that the areas of training for the beneficiaries were tailoring, weaving, welding, fabricaton, carpentry, joinery, masonry, brick-molding, shoe and bag making.
On his part, the Acting Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the lndustrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr. Dickson Onuoha, re-echoed the Federal Government’s commitment in developing the youth entrepreneurially, stating that “President Muhammadu Buhari has consistently emphasised the need to diversify our economy by taking advantage of the numerous opportunities that abound in all sectors.’’
VC’s Rep, Dr. Oguguo Egwu (centre), Coordinator of SIWES (in black), Dr. Friday Nwalo and the youths in a group photograph after the flag off ceremony
Speaking at the end of the ceremony, the University’s Coordinator of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Dr. Friday Nwalo thanked the University Management under the visionary leadership of Prof. Nwajiuba for embarking on such laudable project and enjoined the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to improve their lives and community.