…begins sponsorship of 30 youths
The renowned Port Harcourt based Real Estate Developer, My-ACE China (aka Mayor of Housing), has to set up an entrepreneurship and craft centre in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom State.
The centre has equally kick-off the training of first batch of 100 trainees with the Mayor of Housing is bankrolling 30 of them.
The essence is to spark the fire of entrepreneurial intelligence in the people to promote self-reliant abilities in the populace
In a keynote speech at the commissioning of the centre at Enwang, the headquarters of Mbo LGA, China urged the State government, leaders, and politicians to ‘arise and fish’, saying the time to arise and share money to youths has gone.
He disclosed that his Special Assistant Anthony Andemic, who is also the entrepreneurial committee chairman attracted him to set up the centre at Mbo Council area.
To this end, he donated initial N5m to help rebuild and set up this place. “Now, I am here to give more to train 30 out of the 100 so far admitted. I will give N4.5m for their training in six months and another N4.5m to equip the 30 after training and give each a machine to start off plus take-off capital for each.”
China, who is known as a real estate success strategist and the Managing Director of the Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, made it clear that a standard of local government administration has been set in Mbo local government area.
He described the council chairman, Sunday Etim, is a rare leader. “He is bringing people especially youths out of poverty systematically, in instalments of 100 at a time. So, if you have not set up 300 youths in your area, you are not a local government chairman. So, arise and fish.
“I therefore urge the government to arise and fish! Political leaders, arise and fish, not by taking government money and share to people but arise and fish. Big men, arise and fish.”
In his main address, the chairman of the Council, Etim said the secret of Akwa Ibom’s development is that every new administration builds on where the predecessor stopped.
He gave the history of the project, saying it was abandoned and vandalized, but that the place is back, assuring that it will sit professional examinations.
He told the beneficiaries not to see the gesture as politics but should take it serious so they can grow into successful entrepreneurs. He said Mbo people were no beggars, adding that entrepreneurship is the way out so politicians would not deceive them.
He said his desire is to create wealth in the lives of the youths of the local community. He profusely commended Gov Umo Eno for what he called his unwavering commitment to the empowerment and security of the youth. “We remain grateful for your noble initiative of engaging 70 vibrant youths from Mbo in the Ibom Community Watch. This is not only a bold step towards youth employment but also a strategic move in community policing and intelligence gathering.”
He stated that as a local government administration, they have remained unshaken in their resolve to make human capital development a top priority. “In line with this commitment, we have offered full sponsorship to 11 deserving youth of Mbo who are currently undergoing intensive vocational training at DASAC (Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centre). This investment is not just in people, it is in the future of Mbo.
“Today, with pride and satisfaction, we unveil the Mbo Vocational and Craft Centre, a hub for innovation, skills acquisition, and enterprise. This centre is established as a multipurpose technical and vocational institution where young men and women will receive world-class training in diverse fields including: Cosmetics, Catering, Fashion and Design, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“In the near future, we will introduce; Wood furniture and carpentry; Mechanical Engineering and Auto Repairs; Agriculture and other specialised crafts and trades. “We are not only providing training but also creating a pathway for professional certification. Students of this centre will be eligible to sit for nationally and internationally recognised exams such as NASTEB (National Business and Technical Examinations Board), Trade Test Certification, Specialised Professional Certifications relevant to their chosen fields.
“In recognition of the importance of a conducive learning environment, we have already mapped out plans to comprehensively fence the centre for security and serenity, equip classrooms and workshops with modern tools and facilities, create comfortable and accessible learning spaces for all trainees, regardless of gender, background, or status. This centre is designed to be inclusive, student-friendly, and future-driven.”he said.
He called on the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), corporate organisations and private sector operators and those in the diaspora to; “Come forward and partner with us in expanding this centre, sponsoring students, providing tools, offering internships, and facilitating start-up support for our graduates, Together, we can build a skilled, self-reliant, and productive Mbo.”
He disclosed the packages that await the trainees for the period of six months to include N60,000 training allowance. “By the time they complete their training, we will empower them with a starter pack of N500,000 each. At the end of their training, the second batch would commence immediately and this will continue in batches till the end of my tenure. For those that are not yet captured, be patient with us and be expectant in the subsequent batches.”
Declaring the N300m Mbo Entrepreneurship Trust Fund, he said they were unlocking the economic potential of the communities, empower the youth and accelerate inclusive prosperity across Mbo.
Ends////
