Anambra Govt Set to Empower 8,300 Youths with ₦3.5bn Package under 1Youth2Skills Programme

By Praise Chinecherem

Another massive empowerment package for youths in Anambra state has been finalized under the second batch of the flagship 1Youth2Skills Plus programme of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba who disclosed this in a statement said no fewer than 8,300 youths will be empowered with financing package worth ₦3.5 billion.

He said the package was meant to enable the beneficiaries establish and expand their businesses after successful completion of their intensive entrepreneurial and vocational training.

“The graduation and empowerment ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Awka.

“The Governor is expected to personally hand over the financial support packages and unveil other initiatives aimed at creating a new generation of millionaires and smart entrepreneurs in Anambra,” he said.

The Commissioner recalled that over 5,000 young people benefited from the first batch of the programme, which saw the disbursement of more than ₦2 billion in seed funding, alongside mentorship and cooperative support.

He noted that the government is now scaling up the initiative to ensure that more youths are captured and adequately supported in their entrepreneurial journeys.

“This second batch will not just receive financial empowerment, but also intense mentorship, cooperative partnerships, and other strategic support mechanisms to help them thrive.

“Mr. Governor is determined to build the next set of millionaires in Anambra State,” the commissioner added.

Describing Soludo as a “youth-friendly leader with a vision to make Anambra a hub of innovation, productivity, and prosperity,” Aghamba expressed optimism that the 1Youth2Skills Plus programme would serve as a model for youth empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.

He further urged the beneficiaries to see the support not as a handout but as a challenge to innovate, grow, and become job creators themselves, thereby multiplying the impact across the state.

“The graduation ceremony, expected to attract dignitaries, stakeholders, and families of the beneficiaries, will also showcase success stories from the first batch of the programme, highlighting how previous recipients have already built thriving businesses in agriculture, ICT, fashion, crafts, services, and other sectors,” he added.

The Commissioner further expressed gratitude to the Governor for sustaining what he described as “a revolutionary investment in the future of Anambra youths,” while reiterating that the state remains on track to become a smart, prosperous homeland where young people are at the centre of development.