Youths from Ezeagu local government area in Enugu state has been assured that they have a lot to benefit from the business opportunities being presented by Enugu Small and Medium Entrepreneurial (SME) Centre to enable them grow.
Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on SME, Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah gave the assurance during the sensitization programme held in the council area.
The program is part of the local government sensitization strategy of the SME centre, to mobilise more beneficiaries into their programs.
In his speech, Hon. Chilo-Offiah informed the youths and stakeholders about the current situation of the country as well as how to utilise the various opportunities presented by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration through the Enugu SME Center.
He also advised them to key in and flow with the programs, which would ensure their financial stability.
Chilo-Offiah who also heads the SME Centre, noted that Governor Ugwuanyi understands the power of human capital development as the only way to help the youths out of the prevailing economic problems bedeviling the nation.
According to Chilo-Offiah, “I want Ezeagu youths take the programs of our state’s SME Centre serious. This is because it will enable the participants to be good beneficiaries that would later become employers of labour.
“In our programs, we have Enugu Fenix, Digital marketing, Enugu Auto-revamp innovation training program (AutoEase), Enugu talent city (programming, data analysis, networking), Enugu Skillers, (POP, Tillers, Electrical installation, Welding, Carpentry, Concrete construction work), Fashion and design, Cyber security, Enugu Jobberman and studentprenuer Loan.
“Others include, Enugu SME micro-credit lending program, business support grant, CAC normalization registration, amongst others.”
In his remarks, the Ezeagu local government Chairman, Hon. Marius Chukwudi Ani, expressed profound joy over the visit of officials of the Enugu SME Center in his local government council.
He also assured that his administration will always work for the interest of Governor Ugwuanyi as he has shown immeasurable love towards Enugu youths.
Some of the participants such as Chike Ozonwafor, Obinna Ozofor, Ezeh Daniel, Miracle Fidelis, amongst others, expressed optimism in their expectations, thanking the governor for the initiatives.
In a separate event, Chilo-Offiah, had explained to the youths, the importance of getting their businesses registered with the Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC), informing them on how the Enugu SME center have registered about 7000 businesses earlier this year through the assistance of the governor.
He also told them about the Human Capital Development Loans that is available for them to gain training and capacity in different fields to enable Ndi Enugu youths benefit from it.
In his words, “it is the wish of the state government to see that every youth benefits from the loan program.”
He charged the youths not to wait for the government to do everything for them, but capitalize on what is being offered by the government.
He rolled out some of the programs and opportunities offered by the SME Center.
On their digital marketing program, Chilo-Offiah said “the center is partnering with Wild Fusion company to impact high income digital marketing skills on the youths. The first batch involved 400 youths. Some of the youths who graduated from the said training few months ago now make up to N400,000 a month or are doing great entrepreneurially. He promised them that another batch will soon kick off.
“Enugu Tech (ICT): Training 1,000 youths in programming, data analysis, web designing, and product design. On this, the center partnered with Utiva and Capitis. The first batch 250 graduated in December 2021. Another Batch of 250 is graduated July 2021. This would enable the state meet its huge potentials in the ICT Space
“Fashion and designing; On this the center is also partnering with a top fashion training company to train over 500 youths across the state.
“Auto-Revamp Innovative Training Program (AITP) with Autoease Limited. The center is training over 500 youths in this program which involves auto-fabrication, painting, body work, etc. The first batch of participants are graduating July 2021. The 2nd batch commenced training March 2021, with a view for the final batch to commence training by August/September 2021. The training is for 8 months.
“Enugu Skill-Up Program: This also includes, Welding, Carpentry, Plumbing, Tilling and Electrician, Wall Screeding, Painting, Tiling, POP Installation amongst others. On this he informed the youths that after their trainings they can be employed by some of the construction firms in Enugu State or become entrepreneurs.
“Our program on Enugu Jobs through the platform www.enugu-jobs.com in partnership with Jobberman Nigeria and Capitis Global to provide job access for the teeming youths in the state. The SA also told them that youths will be mandatorily trained with soft skill and employability skills to boost their professionalism and make them fit to be employed. So far 2,000 Enugu youths have been employed in the past 2-3 months on the Enugu Jobs portal. And more jobs are still available for them, only all they need is to get the right skills.
“On Cybersecurity, the Agency is partnering with a reputable firm to ensure that our youths move away from “wire fraud” but focus their attention on being ‘ethical hackers’, working for big companies to prevent attacks from fraudsters. Hon Arinze Chilo-Offiah, also said the center is partnering with EFCC to train some of our youths who are in their custody on Cyber security.”
The SA also intimated them on the Enugu SME micro-credit loan program and how they can apply to access up to N300,000 with 12 months tenure and an interest rate of 9 percent.
He urged the youths to maximally take advantage of the opportunities being presented by the state government, adding that the governor and the SME Center is committed in supporting the youths of the state to grow.
