Former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil and South Africa Uche Ajulu-Okeke, has called for the development of a framework for people who have skills to travel outside the country for genuine jobs, describing it as “targeted migration”; capable of reducing the number of people roaming the streets.
In her remarks at the grand finale of the 2023 skill exhibition and empowerment programme organised by Mmaigbo Empowerment Foundation in Awka, the former Ambassador reminded the gathering that People’s Republic of China, Japan and others used skill acquisition and empowerment as foundation to become developed nations.
She thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for doing similar thing in the state, urging him to consider convening the conference for Igbo leaders for the development of the framework.
Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Empowerment, Mr. Patrick Agha-Mba, said his ministry will partner with Mmaigbo Empowerment Foundation and others with the same goal to invest more in human capital development.
On his part, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, represented by the Director of Diaspora Affairs and Entertainment in the ministry, Mrs Nneka Nwankwo, expressed concern that values and identities of Ndigbo are being lost gradually, but said that Governor Soludo’s youth empowerment programme and what Mmaigbo Empowerment Foundation is doing are aimed at addressing some societal ills.
Founder and Director-General of the foundation, Mr Uzo Ekemezie, among other things, explained that the non-governmental organization was established in 2022 for the purpose of promoting and re-rejuvenating Igbo cultural heritage, values, dignity and identity, both at home and in the diaspora.
Secretary-General of the foundation, Mr. Kenneth Udeh stated that the empowerment programme of the Mmaigbo Empowerment Foundation is open to every youth of Igbo-speaking communities in Nigeria, especially, those who desire to acquire skills, but lack the necessary resources.
Earlier, the Chairman on the occasion and Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Sir Chido Obidiegwu, who said that the programme is in line with what Governor Soludo is doing in the state to empower the youth and reduce crime and criminality, called for attention to the agric revolution being championed by the Soludo administration, as well as “aku lue uno” consciousness among Ndigbo.
The beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, including Master Promise Ononihu and Miss Ogechukwu Obodoeze, thanked Mmaigbo Empowerment Foundation for giving back to the society, adding that the training and equipment received will help them in no small measure.
Exhibition of skills by qualified trainees, as well as empowerment series featured at the event.
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