Hon. Beloved Dan Anike, Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, has introduced an innovative Human Capital Development initiative aimed at reducing poverty, improving employability, and equipping young people with crucial skills for the future. Speaking during a live broadcast on Solid 100.9FM, Anike detailed the multi-faceted programme designed to empower the youth and stimulate economic growth in the region.
A key component of this initiative is the provision of educational scholarships to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Anike announced that 50 exceptional rural students would receive full scholarships, allowing them to attend top-tier institutions for quality education. Additionally, 1,700 students across 14 public schools will benefit from free WAEC registration. To further support higher education, scholarships will also be available for students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as medical sciences, engineering, law, and software engineering. To ensure the long-term success of these programmes, the council has allocated an initial 60 million Naira and will save an additional 5 million Naira monthly to sustain its educational commitments.
Another major highlight of the initiative is the Emerging Tech programme, which aims to train 1,000 students in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analysis. This intensive 26-week training course will grant participants a diploma certification, equipping them with skills that will enhance their career prospects in the fast-evolving digital economy. Anike also noted that the best-performing students would have opportunities to pursue further studies abroad, increasing their global employability.
Beyond technology education, the council is also offering informal vocational training to equip residents with practical skills. The six-month training courses cover various trades, including tailoring, hairdressing, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. To support participants, stipends will be provided, ensuring they can focus on skill development while improving their financial stability.
With these far-reaching initiatives, Hon. Anike’s administration is committed to creating long-term economic opportunities for the youth of Enugu East. By investing in education, technology, and vocational training, the local government aims to enhance employability, drive economic growth, and prepare residents for success in an increasingly competitive job market.