By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has celebrated the graduation of 8,300 young men and women who successfully completed the One Youth Two Skills Plus Program.
The graduation ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
This initiative, launched on October 22, 2022, aims to revolutionize youth empowerment by moving beyond mere consumption to fostering productive, innovative, and exportable skills.
The One Youth Two Skills Program stands out as the largest youth enterprise and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development initiative in Nigeria, one that aspires to make Anambra State a leading skills hub in Sub-Saharan Africa. Governor Soludo emphasized that the programme is designed to ensure that a significant percentage of the youth in Anambra acquire employable skills that can also be exported.
According to him, the initiative consists of five critical schemes, including the Apprenticeship Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperatives Formation Scheme, Business Financing Scheme, and Mentorship Scheme, all of which are structured to last for one year.
He revealed that the first phase of the initiative had successfully empowered 5,000 youths from 179 communities, distributing N2 billion for equipment financing and N2.5 billion for working capital.
During the recent graduation ceremony, Governor Soludo highlighted the immense success of the first phase, which recorded an over 80% success rate in terms of business commencement and expansion among its beneficiaries, underscoring that products showcased at the event, including T-shirts and food, were created by graduates of the programme, reflecting the initiative’s motto of using local resources and producing what is needed.
He noted that the initiative also encourages collaboration among beneficiaries, evidenced by the formation of the Solution Youth-Preneurs Support Group (SYPSG)—a self-driven platform aimed at supporting fellow youths in acquiring skills, explaining that the group is currently training 1,000 Anambra youths at no cost, showcasing the programme’s commitment to community upliftment.
As the second phase of the One Youth Two Skills Plus begins, it aims to expand its reach and effectiveness. Governor Soludo has set ambitious targets, planning to empower 20,000 youths and increase training centers from 634 to 1,000 in the upcoming phase.
Governor Soludo encouraged the graduates to take their journey seriously, embracing the entrepreneurial mindset that prioritizes success through hard work and innovation.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, expressed immense satisfaction with the growth of the One Youth Two Skills program, stating, “It is incredibly fulfilling to see how this initiative is evolving from strength to strength. We are witnessing a profound transformation in the lives and futures of thousands of our youth.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the One Youth Two Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme, Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe, acknowledged the program’s success, noting a remarkable **forty-eight percent increase** in participation. “This initiative stands out as a model for scholars and practitioners alike. Every graduation ceremony marks a vital step toward achieving our vision where every youth in Anambra is equipped with the essential skills for their survival,” he remarked.
Many beneficiaries of the programme from within and outside the state, shared their success stories, highlighting how it has empowered them to become employers rather than job seekers.
With financial support amounting to N3.5 billion available to graduates through the Business Financing Scheme, as well as one year of mentorship from business development experts, the future looks promising for the empowered youth.
As Anambra embraces a new era of youth empowerment through the One Youth Two Skills initiative, the government aims to build a prosperous society through its commitment to standardization, business fostering, and community engagement. The vision for Anambra is clear—creating a destination for success, not just a departure point for its youth. Together, as one government and one community, the journey toward lasting prosperity continues.
