Chinedum Elekwachi
Plans have been concluded for another massive empowerment package for youths in Anambra state under the second batch of the flagship 1Youth2Skills Plus programme of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba disclosed this in a statement he issued in Awka.
He said no fewer than 8,300 youths will be empowered with financing package worth ₦3.5 billion.
According to him, the package is meant to enable beneficiaries to 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 will personally hand over the financial support packages to the beneficiaries.
“Mr Governor will equally unveil other initiatives aimed at creating a new generation of millionaires and smart entrepreneurs in Anambra,” he said.
Over 5000 in first batch
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.
Aghamba described Soludo as a “youth-friendly leader with a vision to make Anambra a hub of innovation, productivity, and prosperity.
He expressed optimism that the 1Youth2Skills Plus programme would serve as a model for youth empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.
The commissioner further urged the beneficiaries to see the support not as a handout but as a challenge to innovate, grow, and become job creators for multiplier effects across the state.
“The graduation ceremony 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.
He said the state remains on track to become a smart, prosperous homeland where young people are at the centre of development.
