I'll Empower 2,000 Youth with Skills, start-up Grants within 100 days* - Engr. Otobong Essien

...Gets nod from Paramount Ruler

... Village Head applauds the development 

By Emmanuel Ufon

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship Candidate for Ikono Local Government Area, Engr. Oto-Obong Essien has promised to empower 2,000 youth in the area with skills and start-up capital within her first 100 days in office.

She said this was going to aid the revival of the rural economy for sustainable development and boost self-reliance among the youths. 

The licenced Engineer, while addressing her Skill Acquisition/Youth Empowerment Team on Sunday in Uyo said the Youth will be empowered    to become innovative entrepreneurs and taught business opportunities in different fields.

The Ikono Chairperson hopeful listed the areas for training to include: Information Communication Technology, Cosmetic Production, Baking and  Pastry production while start-up grants would be given to successful trainees.

In the area of Agriculture, the Chairmanship Candidate stated that she will work with the Ministry of Agriculture/Rural Development and Companies like Bertola Machine-Tool Company to ensure that Ikono Youths are trained on large-scale mechanized farming practices and subsequently provided with improved seedlings for food sufficiency.

She expressed confidence in her relationship with stakeholders in the area, saying they will support her bid to empower the youth. 

"Without waiting for the council money we can empower our youths. I have an NGO which I have been championing on skills acquisition training for the youths, I will as well partner with other NGOs including the Happy Hour Connect Initiative ably led by a proud daughter of Nkwot, a woman of substance - Mrs. Affiong Ibanga".

"I will partner with First Love Foundation - a faith based NGO own by Justice Charles Ikpe to empower our youths.  Consultations is ongoing by my team with the traditional rulers, Youth President and other stakeholders in Ikono. I will soon mobilize 168 team of resource persons to move down to the 168 political units of 12 wards in Ikono Local Government Area to embark on the training exercises", She said.

On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Ikono Local Government Area, Edidem Nana Etim Itang lauded the development and advised the team to look for ways of approaching some youths to key into the program.

Other Village Heads including the Village Head of  Afaha Ediene in Ikono Local Government Area, Eteidung Uwem Akpan Umoren and the Youth Leaders welcomed the development and promised to give their support to the success of the skill acquisition programme.