Independence Anniversary: Nwifuru Empowers Over 2,500 in 28 Months
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State
By Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
No fewer than 2,500 youths in Ebonyi State have been trained in vocational skills, agriculture, and transitioned from street trading within the 28 months of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration.
The vocational training programmes covered areas such as tailoring, ICT, auto-mechanics, welding, catering, and carpentry.
Governor Nwifuru revealed this on Tuesday during the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary and the 29th anniversary of Ebonyi State’s creation, held at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
He said the initiatives are part of his administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs” manifesto.
According to the governor, each beneficiary under the Hawkers’ Fund Initiative received capital support ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦2 million.
“We earlier launched the Hawkers’ Fund Initiative, empowering over 700 street traders with capital packages ranging from ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, to ₦500,000—helping many transition into shop owners and small-scale entrepreneurs,” he said.
He further disclosed that more than 1,500 youths have been trained under the Vocational Skills Acquisition Programme.
“In this area, we disbursed start-up kits and grants worth over ₦2 billion to ensure that their training translates into viable businesses and employment opportunities,” he added.
In the agricultural sector, the governor said 300 youths and farmers have been trained in the state’s Integrated Farming Model. He noted that beneficiaries were selected from all 171 electoral wards in the state.
“In agriculture, 300 Ebonyi youths and farmers have been trained under the Integrated Farming Model. These beneficiaries, drawn from the 171 electoral wards and other selected groups, were equipped with skills in aquaculture, crop processing, livestock management, and agro-entrepreneurship.
“Our Nkaliki Hatchery is now fully functional, and the Feed Mill Industry is progressing satisfactorily,” he stated.
It will be recalled that Ebonyi State was created in 1996 under the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
