…Says initiative will equip youths for future economy
By Iheanyi EnweremÂ
Governor Hope Uzodimma has commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, for establishing the NASENI Skills Acquisition Centre in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
Commissioning the facility on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma described the centre as a strategic investment in human capital development, saying it would equip young people with practical skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Governor stressed that technology and innovation remain critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that skills acquisition is a sustainable pathway to job creation, entrepreneurship and national prosperity.
“This is not about giving people fish; it is about teaching them how to fish,” Uzodimma said, adding that graduates of the centre should be supported with start-up capital to establish businesses and, in turn, create employment opportunities for others.
He also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritising science, technology and innovation through NASENI, describing the agency as a dependable partner in empowering Nigerian youths.
Governor Uzodimma further urged the host community and relevant authorities to safeguard the facility against vandalism, emphasizing that public infrastructure must be protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
Earlier, Senator Onyewuchi said the Skills Acquisition Centre was established to provide youths with practical vocational skills that would promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
According to the lawmaker, the project reflects his commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for his constituents through skills development and innovation.
“Our goal is to teach our people how to fish, not just give them fish,” Onyewuchi said, revealing that beneficiaries would also receive support to establish small businesses after completing their training.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for strengthening NASENI’s mandate to advance science, technology and engineering nationwide, while thanking Governor Uzodimma for his support in facilitating the establishment of the centre in Imo State.
Senator Onyewuchi noted that the state-of-the-art facility, equipped with modern training equipment, would complement his ongoing constituency development initiatives and significantly contribute to reducing unemployment among youths.
The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials from the federal, state and local government levels, alongside stakeholders from the business community and other sectors of the economy.
