The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, has disbursed the third phase of his ₦10 million educational grant programme to students from Ogbaru Local Government Area and opened applications for the second batch of his youth empowerment scheme.
The announcements were made at the fourth edition of the Ogbaru Youth Parliament, held at Atafa Hotel & Suites, Odekpe, under the theme, “Youths, Leadership & Opportunities.” The event attracted about 500 young people from across the local government area.
Speaking at the gathering, Udeze said he had sustained the initiative for four years to prepare young people to assume leadership responsibilities in the present, rather than wait until the future.
“The youths are today’s leaders, not tomorrow’s,” he said, reaffirming the philosophy behind the programme.
The educational grants benefited undergraduates, nursing students and secondary school students preparing for this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Speaker also announced the commencement of applications for the second batch of his youth empowerment programme, following an earlier phase in which about 300 young people received sewing machines, grinding machines, agricultural inputs and cash assistance to establish or expand their businesses.
Senator Stella Oduah, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Anambra North Senatorial District, attended the event, encouraged the beneficiaries and supported the initiative with a donation of ₦5 million.
Other dignitaries present included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Patrick Aghamba; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Reformation, Hon. Nelson Omenugha; and the Anambra State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Hon. Nonso Nwaebili.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation and Managing Director of Solution Innovation District, Hon. Chinwe Okoli, was represented by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant, Mr. Ike Anajemba.
