The Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon. Amaka Obi, has empowered over 500 women and youths trained in various vocational skills by her administration.
The beneficiaries received start-up equipment, including 100 salon hair-washing basins, 100 sewing machines, 30 double-layer ovens and 50 motorcycles, during the 2026 August meeting and empowerment ceremony of the local government area.
Women petty traders were also supported with cash to boost their businesses, while 10 young men received mini-buses under the Idemili South Mass Transit Initiative.
Before flagging off the distribution of the empowerment materials, the Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, urged women to reject the practice of keeping children, irrespective of their age, as house helps.
Dr. Soludo described the practice as abhorrent and called on members of the public to speak out whenever they witness the molestation or abuse of a child.
She also pledged to continue advocating for the enactment of more stringent laws against child abuse, molestation and other forms of violence against children.
The Governor’s wife commended the empowerment initiative, particularly the decision to provide tools and equipment to people who had undergone skills acquisition training.
According to her, such support provides beneficiaries with the opportunity to become productive, self-reliant and economically independent.
In her address, Mayor Obi said the empowerment programme reflected her administration’s unwavering belief that the greatest investment any government can make is investment in its people, which she noted is also a central pillar of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
She explained that the programme was not merely a routine distribution of materials but a deliberate effort to build a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership among the people.
According to her, the beneficiaries are expected to create value, provide employment opportunities and make positive contributions to society.
She said, “When individuals and women are empowered with the right values, families are strengthened, communities are transformed, and society experiences enduring peace and sustainable growth.”
For Mayor Obi, the philosophy behind the initiative is simple: “Teach people a skill, give them the tools and create an opportunity for them to succeed.”
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items provided, stressing that the empowerment should not be viewed simply as a gift but as a responsibility and an opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Other speakers at the event, including the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba; member representing Idemili South Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebuka Igwe; Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye; APGA candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu; Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, and Dr. Nkem Okeke, commended the initiative.
They described the programme as a significant intervention in tackling unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening the local economy.
For the newly trained bakers, the ovens provided an opportunity to commence production and generate income.
For fashion designers, the sewing machines offered a means of turning their creativity and skills into sustainable livelihoods, while the motorcycles, shuttle buses and other equipment provided other beneficiaries with practical means of earning a living.
