Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged young entrepreneurs in the state to take full advantage of partnerships to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The governor gave the charge at the “Tomorrow is Here Initiative” short-term vocational and entrepreneurship training and empowerment programme for youths drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state.
The event, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu featured 102 selected business groups.
Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai explained that the empowerment programme was one of his administration’s initiatives.
According to him the initiative was aimed at fulfilling the campaign promises made two years ago at Godfrey Okoye University, as captured in his manifesto to improve the quality of life for the youth.
According to him, his commitment to this promise had also led to the construction of 260 smart schools, roads, and primary health care centres across all wards in the state.
He advised beneficiaries not to regret the apprenticeship programme they had undergone, stressing that it would serve as a solid foundation for running successful businesses.
“Today is one of the days we have looked forward to.
“Everyone here is endowed with skills and potential; opportunities like this are meant to unbottle them.
“Two years ago, youth empowerment and youth education took centre stage in our manifesto.
“You should have no regrets for the apprenticeship you have undertaken: what you have done will give you the basis to explore the business world,” he said.
The governor commended Ozoigbondu, Engr. Ezenukpo Prince Arthur Eze, for his financial support, as well as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, and the leadership of Potters Wheel Foundation for their roles in building the capacity of the state’s youth.
He also directed the ministry of youth and sports to periodically monitor the progress of the new entrepreneurs to ensure their success.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu expressed gratitude to the governor for approving the initiative, to Prince Arthur Eze for financing the programme, to the 17 local government chairmen, and to the State House of Assembly for passing the Youth Development Bill into law.
“Between October 2024 and April 2025, the initiative set out to train 100 youths per local government area in entrepreneurship and vocational skills, especially in food production, cosmetology, and hygiene product manufacturing.
“Our initial target was 1,700 youths, but through hard work and strong collaboration, we proudly exceeded that number.
“Today, pursuant to His Excellency’s directive, we are empowering 102 youth-led businesses in Enugu State and creating 600 new direct youth jobs, ” he said.
The implementing partner and Founder and President of Potter’s Wheel Foundation, Pastor Godsown Odilichukwu Onuzulike also thanked the governor and the commissioner for empowering 1,020 youths and training 2,073 youths across the state.
