N’SPLASH

GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL COMMISSIONS 1,000 SEATER CAPACITY VOCATIONAL SKILLS CENTRE DONATED BY REP UNYIME IDEM

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has commissioned a 1,000 seater capacity vocational skills centre at Ikot Okoro, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

The project is the second of its kind sponsored by Rep Unyime Idem as the first is in Ukanafun Local Government Area and was commissioned in December 2021 by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.

The project was initiated in 2019 alongside the empowerment program for 5,000 youths in the Constituency.

The first batch of 1,000 constituents was empowered in 2020, and the second batch of 1,500 was empowered in 2021. The last batch of 2,500 will be empowered in 2023 after the general elections.

The Governor described the initiative as a meal ticket for the future. He commended Rep Idem for keying into his government’s agenda on entrepreneurship and wealth creation and advised the youths to take advantage of the facility to better their lives.

The Governor who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom promised to provide more facilities for the centre to aid learning.

In his speech, the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and the sponsor of the project, Rep Unyime Idem appreciated the Governor for deeming it fit to grace the event and to support the skill education of the youths.

He called on the federal government to redesign Nigeria’s education curriculum to accommodate skills education.

The lawmaker noted that the gains of skills education are enormous as it will help youths tap into capabilities, develop real-life skills, and prepare them to be successful in their careers. He said education for just certificates without skills cannot guarantee employment.

“There is no gain saying the fact that at a time like this, when unemployment, poverty, and hunger are posing national economic challenges, Nigerians need to explore alternative sources of livelihood. This is where the acquisition of skills through formal training comes to the rescue.”

He reminisced on how he became the most celebrated telecom service provider in Nigeria from a 45,000 naira investment with two staffers in 2005 when he started out as an entrepreneur.

He promised to donate L – shaped classroom block to the only primary school in the community.

Speaking separately, the Executive Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Frank, the PDP candidate for Oruk Anam State Constituency at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Prince Sampson Idiong, the former Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Prince Ubong Idiong commended Rep Idem for the visionary leadership he has shown. They advised the youths to take good care of the facilities, make good use of the opportunity, and guard against vandalism.

“It is hoped that from this centre, we will raise inventors, tech gurus, job and wealth creators, as well as the next generation of business leaders who would advance the cause of the human race. It is on this note that I passionately appeal to this community to protect this facility from abuse and vandalism while also urging the beneficiaries to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by the skills acquisition and empowerment centre, and be useful to themselves, family, and society.”

Other dignitaries at the event were the former Member of the House of Representatives, Obong Sunny Udom, former Member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sunny Okoko, Hon. Godwin Udom, Obong Bassey Essien, Prof. Victor Inoka, Prof. Paul Udofia, Prof. Udeme Okoro, Hon. Nnamso Idiong, Hon. Okon Ekpo, Hon. Etop Ukoh, Hon. Aniefiok Okoro, Elder Friday Udoku, Hon. Aniedi Akpan, Mr Ndifreke Etim, the Village Head of Ikot Okoro village amongst others.