By Mimi Chiadikaobi
Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has tasked youths to equip themselves with entrepreneurship programmes to achieve self dependency socially and economically.
Obi also urged the youths to initiate creative activities that would make them self-reliant and dependent by engaging in skills and creative ideas that would promote business instead of depending on getting wealth without working for it.
He made the call on Friday during a maiden Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit held in Agulu,Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise rural development and economic growth of the youths of Nigeria by creating enabling environment for them to discover their talents as future leaders and to impact creative knowledge within their communities for the best.
Obi urged the youths to take ownership of their lives by developing the inbuilt talents from their maker and call for urgent re-orientation of belief amongst the people to acquire wealth at all cost.
Obi commended the organisers of the summit. Ms Aisha Edward Maduagwu,Director Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home Agulu,for its timely thoughtfulness.
He urged the people to key into skill acquisition, trading and entrepreneurship to enhance over all productivity capable of creating well-being of the citizens Instead of indulgence in unlawful acts.
” In 1957 my father already have three Mercedes Benz cars to himself amongst other properties but today where are these facilities.
” I do not believe in acquiring wealth all over the world that is not for immediate needs, what for?, get wealth use it to better the society is the best legacy, touching lives positively.
” If people understand life in a simple manner the need to get rich by all means will not exist and life will be more meaningful to all and sundry,” he said.
Obi assured the organisers of the summit of his support to touch lives of the indigent, widows youths and anyone in need of capital for development to promote sanity in the society.
Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna ,special guest speaker of the event urged the organisers not to relent in their great responsibility of giving life to rural people showing them right path to follow.
Okunna,a professor of Mass Communication and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Paul University Awka said that the summit was apt as every class of people were covered making them to see possibilities in having a better Nigeria through honest manner.
Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, Chairman of the occasion said that the summit will shape a brighter future for the village and advised them to harness the power of collective effort, innovations to build a prosperous community.
Earlier,Maduagwu said that the event is a significant milestone in Agulu community towards its progress and prosperity and is a testament to the power of collective efforts, visionary leadership and commitment to human capital development.
She said that 50 people including women and youths were empowered with cash and equipment and other tools to unlock their potential to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth and development of the community.
“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Peter Obi,for his tireless efforts in promoting human capital development in our community.
” Obi’s legacy is a testament to the impact one person can have when driven by a passion for service and commitment to empowering others.
” To the 50 beneficiaries of this empowerment program,is a momentous occasion in your lives ,see the resource received today not just a gift but catalyst for your dream,” she charged.
Maduagwu said that the day’s events is for the first batch of the empowerment program and assured fairness in the process till it gets round the 20 villages that made up Agulu community
She said that with the help of the sponsors ,organisers and volunteers it was possible for the body to hold a successful program.
She commended Mr Chilota Ibeh, Chairman Amatutu village for creating a formidable front for the progress and development of the village.and Mr Valentine Obienyem for a great colloboration.
Mrs Chidiebele Iloanya,one of the beneficiaries and a petty trader said that she was picked after the interview held by the Orphanage management and promised to add his money to the business.
Mr Onyeka Ezeada who received tools for his business plus financial support for his business appreciated the organisers for attracting the kind gesture.
Mr Chiagozie Ezekidi a Mason and Anthony Okafor an electrical business man said that the transparency in selecting beneficiaries was good.
Mr Ifeanyi Okonkwo another beneficiary who got equipment for his barbing saloon plus cash gift said that he appreciated the support.
Mr Oliver Afamefuna the President General urged other stakeholders yet to key ihnto the community development to emulate the footprint of Obi and others who have be supportive in community development to do so.
The event was graced with cultural entertainment and some stakeholders of the community.
Amongst others.
