By danivert
Copyright thesun
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A group in Enugu State, the Ezeagu in Diaspora International Association (EDIA), has launched a N100 million youth empowerment programme aimed at training 500 young people from Ezeagu Local Government Area in various skills and trades.
The programme, unveiled at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, targets youths between the ages of 18 and 30, who will receive training in vocational, agricultural, digital, artisan, technical, trade, and sports skills.
Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, praised the resilience of Ezeagu people but cautioned against overreliance on quick money. He told the participants that “money without hard work disappears,” urging them to embrace skill acquisition as a path to lasting success.
In his keynote address, Dr. Kingsley Eze, Managing Director of Tenece Professional Services Limited, lauded the initiative, stressing that ideas and innovation now drive global progress. He encouraged the youths to channel their energy into solving societal problems instead of relying on outdated notions of hard work.
“If hardworking is deployed in the wrong environment, it will not achieve a great result,” he warned.
Representing the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized that wealth creation requires both knowledge and capital. He commended EDIA for “sowing seeds” in young people and said the initiative aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of reversing the “japa syndrome” and building prosperity in the state.
President of EDIA, John-Mary Aniagolu, disclosed that although 1,280 youths registered for the programme, only 500 will benefit in the first phase, while 10 participants will travel to Brazil for agricultural training. He appealed to Governor Mbah to absorb the remaining applicants into the state’s skill acquisition schemes.
Aniagolu also announced that his company, E & C Logistics Ltd. (EASYWAY), has offered 20 automatic job placements to Ezeagu youths, while another member pledged 21 additional slots.
He further highlighted a N100 billion partnership recently signed by an Ezeagu indigene, Chief Nnamdi Silas Ozor, with the Enugu State Government and Sunghai Agro Regional Industry to revive the moribund Sunghai Farm Estate in Heneke, Ezeagu. According to him, the project would create massive employment opportunities for the people.
Outlining EDIA’s core mandates, Aniagolu said the group is committed to driving economic growth through skills and mentorship, supporting SMEs with micro-financing, strengthening community security, and partnering with government on developmental projects.
“We are determined to rebrand, rebuild, and reinstate the integrity and ingenuity of Ndi Ezeagu,” he said, assuring the youths that “another generation of millionaires and billionaires will emerge through hard work and resilience.”
The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders, who pledged their support for EDIA’s vision of building a prosperous Ezeagu.
