No fewer than 430 youths have been trained in different skills to be self-reliant by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The beneficiaries from the nine states of Niger Delta Region were trained on such skills as sewing, fish farming, poultry farming and other agricultural means in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at the 1000-capacity Theatre Hall of the University of Uyo on Saturday, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, said the training is one of the many considerations by the Federal Government aimed at diversifying the economy, reorienting values and generating employment for women, youths and other vulnerable groups in the Niger Delta region.
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The minister who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Mr. Alfred Agbar further stated that the training in expected to prepare the beneficiaries for the tasks ahead.
He noted that the ministry is aware that training without support at the terminal point is an effort in futility, which he said is the reason for the empowerment package put up in form of a start-up capital.
Umana assured that the training consultant will directly credit money into the bank accounts they provided under the strict supervision of the ministry.
He, however, challenged the youths to practise what they learnt, stimulate the development of MSMEs in their respective communities, urged them to build capacities through backward integration and run a profitable enterprises that will engage other youths in their respective communities.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, who was represented by the Vice Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Ekong Edem Ekong said that the importance of agriculture cannot be over emphasized, adding that agriculture could be the highest income earner for the country if properly harnessed.
He noted that the university was so proud to host the training saying that they will welcome more opportunities for partnership in the nearest future. He thanked the consultants for putting up a value added chain.
Also speaking, the Director of Press in the Ministry, Mrs. Patricia Deworitshe thanked the beneficiaries for conducting themselves in orderly manner throughout the event and urged them to make good use of the opportunity, saying that when time comes, people will have what to buy from them.
Some of the participants Chris Oluchi, Osinachi, Jonah Agbor expressed their happiness to the ministry for finding them worthy of the training and empowerment, describing it as unique.
They promised to make good use of the start-up capital, which they said, will not be used on minerals.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates of participation to all the beneficiaries as well as all packages accrued to them.
