The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no indigene of the state is left unemployed, unveiling plans to deepen collaboration with artisans and relevant organisations to expand skills acquisition, job creation and youth empowerment across the state.
The Commissioner for Skills Development and Job Creation, Prof. Ajuka Nwogo Obasi, stated this during an interactive meeting with the leadership and members of the Artisans Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, in Abakaliki.
Obasi said the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remains committed to equipping residents with marketable skills that would enhance self-reliance, reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth.
He said the ministry would continue to partner credible organisations to deliver world-class skills acquisition programmes in line with the governor's vision of creating sustainable livelihoods for Ebonyi people.
"We are confident that the genuine organisations we are partnering with will help us achieve the vision of the ministry in the area of skills acquisition training and empowerment at the highest level. His Excellency has repeatedly stated that it is his desire that no Ebonyi indigene should be left stranded. With the right partnerships, the governor will continue to do more because he is a man of his word," the commissioner said.
He assured artisans that the ministry would maintain an open-door policy and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to ensure skills development programmes address the needs of the people and contribute meaningfully to the state's economic transformation.
Earlier, the President of the Artisans Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, Engr. Francis John Nwebonyi, commended Governor Nwifuru and the commissioner for engaging artisans in discussions aimed at strengthening the sector.
He described the meeting as a demonstration that artisans remained valued partners in the development of the state and pledged the association's continued support for the government's programmes.
According to him, the association, with members drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state, has trained thousands of skilled artisans over the years, thereby contributing to employment generation and crime reduction.
"When people are gainfully engaged in productive ventures, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities. Our members have continued to train young people and create opportunities for self-employment across the state," he said.
Nwebonyi, however, appealed to the state government to provide practical empowerment for artisans through the provision of modern tools, equipment and financial support to enable them compete effectively in today's technology-driven economy.
He also called for the certification of artisans after training, the engagement of artisans as trainers in community-based skills development programmes and the establishment of a cordial working relationship between the government and the association.
The artisan leader further assured the commissioner that the association would maintain proper communication with the ministry and mobilise its members to support government initiatives aimed at enhancing vocational training and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the association's Secretary, Mr. Ijere Bright Emmanuel, who doubles his position as the Chairman of the Mechanics Village and other members, expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru, the commissioner and the leadership of the association for what they described as good governance and sustained efforts to promote skills development and youth empowerment in Ebonyi State.
