The Delta state Governor, Senator Dr. Okowa has said that entrepreneurship is the solution to the present economic challenges facing the nation.
The governor made this statement as the first set of trainees in the Delta State Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) graduated on (14/01/16) with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa saying, entrepreneurship programme was the way to go for Nigerian economy to get a boost.
The Governor who spoke at the passing out ceremony of STEP and YAGEP graduates at the Songhai-Delta, Amukpe, observed that over the years Nigeria had depended largely on revenue from oil which has led to economic uncertainty as a result of the down turn in price of oil in the international market.
According to the Governor, his administration was committed to empowering Delta youths to be entrepreneurs through requisite training, empowerment and mentoring programmes.
While commending the graduates for successfully completing the training programme, Governor Okowa emphasized, “before we start any empowerment programme, we will be sure that we have the money to finance it because, it is a programme that we believe in; even as you receive starter packs, it is not yet uhuru but you have to be committed and look up to God, stay focused and don’t be deceived; be wise and believe in yourself.”
“This life is not about money but, about your success, you are being trained as job creators; if you are ready to grow, beyond the Chief Job Creation officer that is ready to render assistance at all times, the micro credit agency will be ready to assist you to grow,” he told the graduans, reiterating that there was no segregation in the selection process and such would not be witnessed in subsequent processes for the training programme.
Governor Okowa thanked trainers in the programmes and congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the programmes.
The state’s Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh while commending Governor Okowa’s administration for its commitment towards the positive engagement of Delta youths, disclosed that 771 trainees were trained in the three months training duration programme.
“While the trainees were in their training centers, we monitored them, obtained feedback from them and ensured discipline; there will be starter packs to support them and it varies from enterprise to enterprise,” Prof. Eboh said, adding, “our emphasis will move to mentoring because of our interest in their successes.”
The beneficiaries, expressed readiness to become employers of labour in the nearest future.”
