——— As Council Chairman embarks on skills acquisition and educational empowerment initiative as a pathway to self-reliance and economic development
The issue of youth development took center stage on Saturday, 13th, September, 2025 on Freedom Square , a flagship programme on Solid FM,100.9, anchored by Uchenna Cyril Anioke, on “Community Development through Youth Participation, Market Expansion and Scholarship.”
The programme featured three prominent guests from the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council: Rt. Hon. Erochukwu Ugwueze, Chairman of the Youth Development Committee; Barr. Emeka Ugwuarua, Secretary of the Market Development Committee; and Prince Ekene Eze, a member of the Bursaries and Scholarship Committee.
Ugwueze noted that the council has set up a skills acquisition programme that guarantees that every beneficiary not only receives training but also startup capital upon completion.
He emphasized that monitoring teams will be assigned to ensure the funds are used for the intended ventures, to enable trained youths become job creators themselves.
According to him,“the vision is that each trained youth will not only be self-reliant but also employ others, thereby reducing unemployment drastically.”
On his part, Ugwuarua stated that market reforms are ongoing, noting that the council is conducting surveys and has introduced a micro-financial institution in local markets through partnership with sterling bank to ease transactions for traders.
According to him, “when markets grow, communities thrive, and the youths find more opportunities.”
Also contributing, Eze highlighted the council’s efforts in the area of education.
He disclosed that over 2,000 students have been registered for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), examinations, while 300 students have benefited from bursary awards, 200 others for full scholarships, and two best graduating students from UNIZIK and UNICAL have been awarded fully-funded master’s scholarships in any university of their choice in Nigeria.
They noted that unemployment remains the greatest challenge facing youths in the council but assured that the leadership of Barr. Ferdinand Ugo Ukwueze, is committed to tackling the problem.
They stated that in the 16 wards of Igbo-Eze South, 10 youths per ward- making a total of 160 persons have been selected for specialized training at the Mario Institute of Hospitality Management, thereby forming a strong community for youth development.
They further revealed that the council has established a Skills Acquisition Centre at Ibagwa-Aka making Igbo-Eze South the Headquarters of skills acquisition in Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
They therefore, urged youths to take advantage of the opportunities being created, while reaffirming that the administration remains committed to reducing the poverty headcount to the barest minimum and securing a brighter future for the younger generation.