In a bold move to combat youth unemployment and economic stigmatization, the Ebonyi State Government has unveiled plans to train and empower over 200 artisans through a newly restructured skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development program.
The initiative, dubbed “Skill-Up Ebonyi,” was announced by the Commissioner for Skills Development and Job Creation, Mr. Okwu Oko-Udu, during a media briefing in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Changing the Narrative for Ebonyi Youth
Commissioner Oko-Udu emphasized that the scheme, approved by Governor Francis Nwifuru, aims to eliminate the negative stereotype that many Ebonyi youths are street hawkers.
“This empowerment scheme is a strategic step to replace hawking with self-reliance and skill-based enterprise. The governor is committed to changing the narrative for our people,” he said.
He praised Governor Nwifuru’s proactive approach and described him as a “man of action” whose People’s Charter of Needs mantra is guiding impactful decisions in the state.
Ezzamgbo Industrial City: A New Economic Hub
A major feature of the Skill-Up program is the establishment of an industrial city in Ezzamgbo, located in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The industrial hub is being developed to become a central training and business location for both skilled and unskilled individuals across Ebonyi State.
“The site has already been cleared,” Oko-Udu noted. “It will serve as a hub for artisans to gain skills, receive mentorship, and transition into business with state-supported infrastructure.”
The Ministries of Skill Development and Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, and Trade and Investments have been tasked with overseeing the development and implementation of the industrial city.
Free Shops and Government Oversight
To ensure long-term sustainability, the state government plans to allocate free shops to trained beneficiaries within the industrial city. These shops will be closely monitored to track progress and performance.
“We are not just training people; we are creating an ecosystem of productivity,” said the commissioner. “This is how we ensure that empowerment efforts translate into lasting impact.”
Strategic Partnerships and Funding Oversight
The Ministry is collaborating with key stakeholders including the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to ensure proper execution and accountability. Oko-Udu stressed that funds designated for the program will be closely monitored to avoid mismanagement.
Reviving Moribund Centers
In addition to launching new programs, the Ministry has begun a state-wide tour of abandoned skills acquisition centers, with the goal of rehabilitating and reviving them. Based on the Ministry’s recommendation, Governor Nwifuru has already approved the revival of several of these centers.
