ANSG Kick-starts “Close The Gap Initiative” To Improve Youth Skill Acquisition Programmes

In a bid to drive the one youth two skills ambition of Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration to the grassroots, the Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, has launched the “Close the gap Initiative”.

Hundreds of youths from Anambra North Senatorial District, participated in the sensitization event at Onitsha to drive home the initiative.

Speaking at the event , the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha-Mba, who applauded the governor for his amazing agenda for Anambra youths, explained that the initiative is one of the governor’s efforts in solving youth restiveness and meeting his vision of raising one thousand youth millionaires annually.

While stressing that the project is community based where community stakeholders are deeply involved, Mr. Agha-Mba, said that stepping down the project to the grassroots will close the gaps between government and the people.

He further pointed out that they are still creating more stakeholder network to avoid leaving any youth behind in the scheme of things as the first batch of the project will soon be launched.

Mr. Agha Mba added that they adopted the Igbo Apprenticeship Model to make some youths acquire skills and learn the intrigues of business, after which they will be integrated into cooperatives and their business ideas sponsored.

The chairman, Anambra North Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Ben Emeka, lauded the governor for the initiative and asked youths not to hoard their talents but to teach others.

The president general, Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Barrister Titus Akpudo, noted that the Igbo person is greatly gifted by God and highly industrious, enjoining participants and stakeholders to support all government initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Mr. Innocent Nduanya, pledged to support government to ensure that its initiative is implemented.

The team later embarked on a road show which took off from All Saints Cathedral Church Onitsha through DMGS Roundabout, Onitsha Main Market and adjoining nooks and crannies of the area.