The Enugu state government, on Wednesday, launched the first batch of the Enugu State Sustainable Economic Empowerment Programme (E-SEEP) for youths and women in the state.

At least 200 beneficiaries attended the launch, which held at the Enugu South Local Government Secretariat

The programme was part of the state government’s commitment toward reducing the poverty headcount index in the state.

In a speech at the event, Gov. Peter Mbah, charged the participants to take the opportunity seriously in order to become employers of labour in the next two years.

Mr Mbah, represented by the secretary to the state government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the state government was making huge effort to unlock the inner potential of the people.

He gave an assurance that his administration would continue to initiate policies and programmes aimed at improving the people’s living standards.

Earlier, the focal person and senior special assistant to the governor on sustainable development goals, Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma, said E-SEEP was designed to train the participants in one vocation, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy skills, and digital marketing skills.

Ms Akubuilo-Okpalanma also said that a majority of the beneficiaries were selected from the state unemployment register domiciled in the state ministry of labour and employment.

She said they would benefit from six months of post-training on business mentoring by experts in their chosen vocational fields.

She also said that the first batch of participants consisted of 70 per cent women and physically challenged persons.

According to her, the programme is free and 100 per cent sponsored by the state government.

(NAN)