Anambra Govt to Empower 8,300 Youths with N3.5bn in Second Phase of ‘1Youth2Skills Plus’ Programme

The Anambra State Government has concluded arrangements to disburse N3.5 billion to 8,300 youths under the second phase of its ‘1Youth2Skills Plus’ empowerment initiative.

This was disclosed on Tuesday in Awka by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, who explained that the support is designed to help beneficiaries establish or scale their businesses after completing vocational and entrepreneurial training.

According to him, the graduation and empowerment ceremony will take place on Tuesday, September 23, at the International Conference Centre, Awka, where Governor Chukwuma Soludo will personally present the financial packages and unveil additional youth-focused initiatives.

Aghamba noted that in the first phase of the programme, 5,000 youths received N2 billion in financial aid, along with mentorship and cooperative support. He stressed that the expansion of the scheme is part of the government’s broader plan to make Anambra a hub of innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship.

“Mr. Governor is committed to raising a new generation of millionaires and job creators who will transform the state’s economy. This investment is not a handout, but a challenge to innovate and create multiplier effects across Anambra,” he stated.

The ‘1Youth2Skills’ programme equips participants with practical training in areas such as agriculture, ICT, fashion, crafts, cake making, services, and other vocational sectors.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the state government recently announced plans to construct a new airport at Ndikelionwu in Orumba North Local Government Area—barely four years after the commissioning of the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, Umueri.