Ezeagu in Diaspora International Association has empowered 267 youths in Enugu with vocational and digital skills, providing N13.5 million in start-up packages to help them establish businesses. Johnmary Anagolu, the association’s president, disclosed this during the empowerment and graduation ceremony held on Sunday in Enugu.

Mr Anagolu said the beneficiaries were trained in about 20 vocational and digital skills, including catering, baking, fashion and design, and information and communication technology. He listed other areas, including web development, solar power installation, CCTV installation, modern farming, shoe and bag making, make-up, barbing, and content creation.

He said the beneficiaries also received certificates after completing the training.

Mr Anagolu said the programme was part of the association’s N100 million youth empowerment project designed to equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance and job creation. He said Governor Peter Mbah inaugurated it on September 27, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

According to him, more than 1,200 youths registered within 48 hours of the programme’s announcement, while the first batch comprised more than 500 participants from communities across Ezeagu.

He said the beneficiaries underwent six months of training under indigenous vendors, with 267 eventually graduating after completing practical examinations and meeting certification requirements.

The president said more than N33 million was spent on the training, while another N13.5 million was provided as start-up support for the graduates. He said the objective was not merely to train the youths but to ensure that the skills translated into livelihoods, businesses and employment opportunities.

Mr Anagolu said the empowerment also aimed to provide young people with positive alternatives in their search for economic opportunities. He said skilled and engaged youths would contribute to peace and development in Ezeagu.

He added that the association had established monitoring mechanisms through coordinators, local organising committees and training vendors to ensure sustainability and follow-up.

Mr Anagolu appealed to the Enugu government to support the second batch of the programme. He expressed the association’s determination to expand the scheme and make it an annual initiative to reach more youths.

He said the association’s interventions covered youth empowerment, education, security, agriculture, infrastructure and poverty alleviation.

According to him, the association had supported community security with equipment and paid WAEC and NECO fees for 30 indigent students.

Mr Anagolu added that the association was promoting modern agriculture, including plans to expose selected youths to farming practices in Brazil. He appealed to community leaders to encourage youths to embrace skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance and employment.

(NAN)