BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Councilor representing Ward 9 in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Nkem Nwankwo has called on well-meaning Deltans, particularly sons and daughters of Okpanam, to responsibility for youth empowerment as a means to curb unemployment and restore dignity among struggling youths.
She made the call at the 18th anniversary and graduation ceremony of Jose-Kems Skill Acquisition Centre, which was held at the City Hall, Okpanam, Delta State.
The event saw the successful graduation of a new set of trainees empowered with vocational skills ranging from catering, bead making, leatherwork, shoe and bag making, to soap making and cosmetology.
Nwankwo, who doubles as the Proprietor of the Skill Acquisition Centre, expressed pride in the graduating students and the transformation the centre had brought to the lives of the people over the years.
In her words: “I am proud of every one of our graduates, who have demonstrated a commitment to learning and personal growth. I am confident that as they graduate today, they will make a positive impact, using the skills they have acquired to create opportunities for themselves, by becoming entrepreneurs and employers of labour.”
She emphasised the centre’s inclusive approach, highlighting that training opportunities have consistently been given to youths from various Okpanam quarters, Obodogba, Ugwunadagbe, and Amachai, as well as non-indigenes and, more recently, members of the Okpanam Community Development Union (OCDUN).
The councilor also called on affluent individuals, community leaders, and residents of Delta State, irrespective of political affiliation, to invest in the future of the youth.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, represented by Hon. Mordi Sunday, stressed the relevance of vocational training in today’s Nigeria.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the importance of education and skill acquisition in shaping the future of our communities and society at large. We must remain committed to equipping our young people with the practical tools to succeed in their chosen paths,” he said.
Also speaking, the leader of the Legislative Arm of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Chris Nwamgbor echoed the need for continued learning and self-development, tasking the graduates to apply the skills they have acquired productively and strive to also train and empower others in their communities.
Some of the graduates, including Akejioai Olivia and Titilayo Mouruf, expressed gratitude to the centre for giving them a renewed sense of purpose and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods.
