By Leonard Okachie
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Abia, Mr Francis Owums, has commenced a skill acquisition training and financial empowerment for 150 widows, street children and youths.
The five-day free programme began on Tuesday at the NYSC Office in Umuahia North Local Area (LGA).
The participants are undergoing training in different lucrative skills to help them become self-reliant.
They are being trained in craft making, video editing (with cellphone), photography, shoe making and leather works, digital marketing, catering and confectionery, hair styling and barbing, amongst other areas.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by Owums, in collaboration with Campus Innovation Hub, Umuahia and Jesus the Tree of Life Foundation.
Owums said that 10 best participants, who would be selected among the trainees, including some corps members, would receive N100,000 each, to help them start a business with the skills they acquired.
Owums, who is serving in Umuahia North LGA, said he was touched by the high number of out-of-school children roaming the streets and young widows, he had seen since he started his service in the state.
“I am someone that does not believe in giving fish, rather, I believe in teaching people how to fish.
“So, I and my fellow corps members came together to organise this, to equip the people with different lucrative skills needed to help them become independent,” said Ovums, who hails from Imo.
The State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Obilor Ananaba, commended him for the initiative and affirmed Gov. Alex Otti’s commitment to supporting NYSC in the state.
Ananaba, who was represented by a senior official in the ministry, Mr Eric Asomugha, advised the participants to make the most of the free training opportunity to positively impact their lives and those of others.
The Assistant Director, Community Development Service (CDS) of NYSC, Mr David Okoye, lauded Owums for the gesture and pledged the scheme’s support for corps members in their CDS programmes.
Okoye charged the participants to take the training and empowerment seriously, in order to be able to sustain themselves and their families. (NAN)
