By Christian Ogoh
ASABA/Nigeria: The Executive Secretary, Delta State Vocational Board, Mr. Smart Ikem, has revealed that the peace witnessed in the state is not unconnected to the massive empowerment of over 65,000 youths through various skill acquisition and job creation programmes of the state government.
Mr. Ikem made this known during an event, organised by the Delta State Vocational Education Centre at Owa- Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area of the state for the pioneer graduants of the centre.
According to him, “Delta state is arguably the most peaceful state in the country owning to the ingenuity of Governor Okowa and in fulfilment of his SMART agenda.
“I am very happy that effort of the state government is paying off as Delta State has been ranked and given award as the number one in vocational training and job creation by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other groups in the country,” he added.
Speaking further, he said “at our vocational centre, we don’t only train people for skill acquisition, we also teach them character development because without morals, skills are useless.”
While enumerating the importance of skill acquisition, he said “it will make you self sufficient, employable and a business entrepreneur.”
While congratulating the graduates, he stressed that Nigeria was full of opportunities, adding that there was the need to maximise the abounding potentials.
“The knowledge you have acquired is a gold mine. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities in your area to enhance your personal life and that of those around you,” he advised.
Highpoint of the event was an exhibition by the graduates of the various trades of the vocational centre, inspected by the Engr Ikem and the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Kingsley Kogwu.
Others were the Chairman of NYCN, Ika South Chapter, Comrade Christian Izegede, and the Secretary, Comrade Lucky Omorogie, among others.
