By Ebere Suzy Okoye
The Deputy Speaker, Hon Emeka Ihedioha at the weekend graduated 53 youths among Imo youths who completed their six months skill acquisition training and programme in Anambra.
This was in line with the 2013 Federal Government Zonal Intervention/ Constituency project Organised by the office of the Deputy Speaker, Hon Ihedioha in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha , Anambra.
The 53 graduates were the 1st batch out of 100 trainees in various core aspects of engineering and technology which includes mechanical Machining and Maintenance, electrical equipment installation and maintenance, Computer appreciation and maintenance, Wielding and fabrication, Automobile equipment maintenance and Instrumentation and Control systems technology.
Speaking during the occasion, Hon Ihedioha said that the programme came as result of the heightened wave of youths unemployment and the worrisome declining level of engineering and technological know- how in the country.
He said that the training was one out of many empowerment-based and skills acquisition initiatives organised by his office to boost the economic base of the youths and women for the youths to have their own eke out a decent living without necessarily queuing for non- existent jobs.
Ihedioha thanked the Federal Government for filling the existing gaps in the nation’s quest for technological growth adding that with the practical expertise of the candidates, they will play a central role in the nation’s pursuit for technological advancement.
He confessed that the programme will go a long way stemming the tide of employment, self-reliance, wealth creation, employment generation together with battling the tide of poverty and social crisis.
He advised the graduates to apply the skills they have gained through the programme in other to become employers of labour in future, promise to support the graduates with seed money and other relevant materials needed to enable them start up as industriously as possible.
Earlier, the Deputy Director and Head of Training, Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha, Engr. Okonkwo thanked the Deputy Speaker for the bold step taking which no single individuals has taken in the affairs of Metallurgical training Institute.
Okonkwo urged Nigerian Leaders, Community Associations, Corporate bodies with related individuals to emulate Ihedioha in empowering the youths of the country through MTI platform.
