By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR has awarded fifty million naira (₦ 50 million) to 500 beneficiaries of the State Chapter of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Skill Acquisition programme.
The PFN programme which complements the government’s “one youth, two skills’ initiative, incorporates character and value orientation.
It is an additional support to their start-up grant, which will also be awarded to them by the PFN.
Governor Soludo disclosed this when PFN held a rededication ceremony for Jesus Our Physician Specialist Hospital (JOPH) and graduation ceremony for the beneficiaries of their skill programme in Amawbia.
The Governor assured the beneficiaries of access to funding from cooperatives, highlighting the PFN’s vital role in empowering the youth and contributing to the state’s development.
Governor Soludo also commended the PFN state Chairman for his successful re-election, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in building a better society.
Said Governor Soludo; “We can’t work separately. The body of Christ is one, and we must come together in the spirit of ecumenism.”
Governor Soludo stressed the need for a Public Community Private Partnership (PCPP) approach, where individuals, industries, and the church play their respective parts to achieve a prosperous Anambra.
He acknowledged the PFN as a critical stakeholder in his administration’s PCPP strategy and expressed his vision of building a society with zero poverty.
“Many people say it is not attainable, but we can get it done if we all put our minds to it.”
The Governor encouraged a shift in perspective, to start seeing things differently and working collectively towards a common goal and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Anambra.
Earlier, the Anambra State Chairman of PFN, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, emphasized that their role extends beyond winning souls for Christ.
Bishop Ezedebego said that they actively partner with the state government and contribute significantly to development and nation-building, as demonstrated by their recent training of over 500 youths.
Also speaking, the PFN Coordinator for Training, Ethical and Value Reorientation and Skill Acquisition Initiative, Mark Odogwu highlighted the PFN Skills and Empowerment Programme as a project that partnered with Governor Soludo’s “1 Youth 2 Skills” initiative.
He added that it offers skills like leatherwork, sewing, wig design, crushing, bead design, confectionery, cosmetology, fishery, piggery, business management, and marketing. These skills will be the foundation for an economic revolution in the state.
The Deputy Speaker Anambra House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chuma Okoye, Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, Anambra State Chairman of APGA, Barr. Ifeatu Obi Okoye, President General of Amawbia, Engr. Godwin Aronu, National Vice President PFN South East, Bishop Maxwell Korie, Bishop Ossy Dominic, Rev. Mrs. Mercy Eberechukwu, Bishop I. Obiorah, Bishop Austin Nwodika, Members of PFN State Advisory and Executive Council, Members of Rededication Planning Committee amongst others attended the event.
