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Elite Youths of Anam Foundation, EYAF has called for an urgent and comprehensive upscaling of initiatives aimed at empowering young people through skills acquisition and Entrepreneurship development.
EYAF, a foremost non-profit, apolitical organization championing human capital development in Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, made the call in a statement after following successful graduation 43 youths from Anam from the Maiden Industrial Skill Acquisition and Applications Centre (ISAAC) at Onitsha Business School (OBS).
The event held at the Onitsha Business School, according to EYAF, marked a historic shift in the quest to channel the youthful energies, skills and knowledge into entrepreneural development to help transform the economic landscape of Anambra West and the state.
The statement signed by EYAF President, Dr. Christopher Ejike Anekwe, Secretary, JohnPaul Udoba and Public Relations Officer, Olisemeka Obeche, explained that some of the graduands who participated in over six months practical training designed to bring out the entrepreneurial skills in their various disciplines to enable them to start their own businesses, were equally rewarded with financial grants ranging from N250, 000, N300, 000 and N500, 000.
“Six (6) graduands were offered N500,000 grant each, another person was offered N300,000 and another N250,000 while the general graduands wait for the general financial empowerment of every member”, the statement read.
EYAF also paid tribute to an illustrious son of Anam, Dr. Kenneth Nzegwu who sponsored the 43 Anam graduates to Onitsha Business School to learn different entrepreneurial skills that would empower them to start their own businesses.
“The ISAAC program in Onitsha Business School cost N480, 000 per person but through Dr. Kenneth Nzegwu, 43 youths from Anam were trained at his cost. We are eternally grateful to this gesture and the practical skills impacted on us by the Director General of Onitsha Business School, Prof. Olusegun Sogbesan and his team through their Industrial Skills Acquisition and Application Center (ISAAC).
“They did not just teach us but they are willing to offer all the necessary opportunities/mentorship to make sure we succeed”, EYAF said.
While assuring of the readiness of the graduands to establish profitable businesses with knowledge gained at OBS, EYAF called for upscaling of the empowerment support to enable them actualize their vision of leading a new generation of successful Millionaire entrepreneurs in Anam.
“As the world faces rapid technological changes and economic shifts, it is imperative that we equip our youth with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
“Our foundation believes that investing in youth empowerment is essential for fostering innovation, reducing unemployment, and driving sustainable economic growth.
“We urge Anambra government, National and State Assembly Members and other political leaders, non-profit organizations, and private sectors to collaborate and sustain this robust initiative that focus on vocational training, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding for budding entrepreneurs.
“By doing so, we can harness the vibrant potential of our youth and guide them toward productive pathways.
“The Elite Youths of Anam Foundation is committed to making a difference in our community. We are actively exploring partnerships to launch workshops, training sessions, and entrepreneurial incubators that will enable young individuals to develop crucial skills relevant to the job market and encourage them to pursue their own business ventures.”
“We invite stakeholders from various sectors to join us in this pivotal movement to not only inspire and empower our youth but also to secure a promising future for our communities.
“Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, increase employability, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship that will benefit generations to come.”
EYAF equally paid tribute to high profile individuals who graced the event, especially its BOT members who were represented by the secretary of the BOT, Barr. Victor Akazuo Nwakasi, the Chairman Anam People’s Assembly (APA) who was represented by Sir Chris Obiora (former APA Secretary), the Anambra West Mayor was ably represent the Education Supervisor Hon. Ikem Onyeka and the Anam People’s Assembly Women Wing (APAWOW) leader Hon. Mrs. T.U. Okoye.
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