Admin I Wednesday, October 01, 2025
AWKA, Nigeria – Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has disbursed ₦3.5 billion in seed funding to 8,300 graduates of the second phase of the One Youth, Two Skills initiative, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and enterprise development.
The announcement was made during the official graduation ceremony held on Tuesday at the International Convention Centre, Awka. The initiative, which aims to equip young people with viable and exportable skills, forms part of the broader strategy to reposition Anambra as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
According to Governor Soludo, the ₦3.5 billion seed capital will be disbursed through the Business Financing Scheme, while beneficiaries will also receive one year of structured mentorship from business development experts.
“The vision is to move our youth away from mere consumption to productive engagement. “We are not just empowering individuals, we are building a prosperous and self-reliant society.” Soludo stated.
The One Youth, Two Skills program was officially launched on October 22, 2022, with the ambitious goal of transforming Anambra from a state of limited economic opportunities to a global center for skilled enterprise. This transformation is grounded in three core pillars: standardization, business development, and community engagement.
Governor Soludo said that the programme stands out as the largest youth enterprise and SME development initiative in Nigeria and one of the most promising in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our goal is clear, to make Anambra a destination for success not just a departure point for our youth,” he said.
The initiative comprises five strategic components:Apprenticeship Scheme,Entrepreneurship Scheme,Cooperatives Formation Scheme,Business Financing Scheme and Mentorship Scheme
Each scheme is designed to last one year, providing participants with hands-on training, capital support, and expert guidance to ensure sustainability and growth.
Reflecting on the success of the first phase, Governor Soludo revealed that 5,000 youths from 179 communities had already benefited, with ₦2 billion allocated for equipment financing and another ₦2.5 billion for working capital. He disclosed that over 80% of those participants have successfully launched or expanded their businesses, signaling strong early impact.
According to the Governor,the unique feature of the program is its encouragement of peer collaboration.
Soludo cited the formation of the Solution Youth-Preneurs Support Group (SYPSG),a grassroots platform initiated by beneficiaries to assist others in acquiring similar skills. The group is currently training 1,000 additional youths in Anambra at no cost, underscoring the multiplier effect of the initiative.
“This is a self-driven movement. We are witnessing the rise of a generation that’s not just waiting for help but is eager to lift others,” Soludo added.
Looking ahead, the governor announced that the program’s next phase aims to empower an additional 20,000 youths, while expanding training centers from 634 to 1,000 across the state. This strategic scaling will ensure broader coverage and deeper community penetration.
Soludo encouraged the graduates to embrace their new skills with dedication, urging them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset that values hard work, creativity, and resilience.
“This is not the end of your journey—it’s the beginning. The future of Anambra is in your hands,” he told the graduates.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, praised the program’s success and transformative impact.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to witness the evolution of this initiative. We are seeing real, measurable change in the lives of thousands of our youth,” he said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the One Youth Two Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, lauded the initiative as a groundbreaking model for both scholars and practitioners.
“This program is more than a policy,it is a blueprint for sustainable youth development. Every graduation ceremony is a step closer to our vision: a generation of skilled, independent, and empowered Anambra youths,” he declared.
