From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has disbursed N3 million each to 100 selected youths as start-up capital to establish businesses.
The initiative, which was flagged-off yesterday in Abakaliki, is part of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Empowerment Programme, FONEP, aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth in the state.
Accordingly, the 100 beneficiaries, drawn from the 13 local government areas had undergone a three-month intensive training in poultry, piggery and fishery at Agbani Training School in Enugu.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Patricia Obila, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improve the livelihood of its citizens.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and make the most of the opportunity.
“You have been selected from the 13 local government areas. It may not be that you are the best, but destiny knocked at your door. I want to advise all of you, use this opportunity and excel. Be focused, don’t let this training be a waste.
“Utilise this opportunity very well; you have been trained to empower others,” he said.
Nwifuru emphasised that the state government’s goal, through the ‘People’s Charter of Needs,’ is to empower its people, particularly youths.
“There will be a monitoring team, from week to week, to see how you utilise this money. If you do better, more will come, and if you don’t you will be arrested and compelled to refund the money,” the governor added.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs Ann Aligwe acknowledged the remarkable impact of the empowerment programme.
“Three months ago, these selected people were sent to the training school in Agbani, Enugu, some majoring in poultry, piggery and different skills.
“Today, the governor has flagged off the disbursement of the funds. He graciously approved the disbursement of N3 million each,” Aligwe said.
She praised the administration’s focus on human development, adding that the beneficiaries had been trained to “teach people how to teach” and revealed that several Ebonyians would soon travel abroad for their master’s degrees as part of the administration’s broader development initiative.
The beneficiaries, who were selected from the 13 local government areas, expressed gratitude for government’s support and vowed to use the funds to establish successful businesses that would contribute to job creation and economic growth in Ebonyi State.
