By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has approved funds for the empowerment of Cohort 2 under the 1 Youth 2 Skills Programme.
The approval was granted during ANSEC’s 15th meeting, held on Monday July 21, 2025, at the Light House in Awka.
During the meeting, the Council reviewed the success of Cohort 1 of the Soludo administration’s flagship youth empowerment programme, noting that 7,163 out of 11,000 trainees excelled in 65 skill areas.
The 235 apprentices (Umuboi) from the Local Enterprise Development initiative across the 21 local government areas of the state were successful, with over 1,000 graduates reportedly becoming millionaires.
With Cohort 2 now ready for commissioning, the Council approved the release of funds to support their empowerment.
The Council also reaffirmed the state’s contractor payment policy, ensuring that no contractors remain owed.
The Council equally approved the Awka City Park Project, aimed at providing environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits to Awka, the state capital.
The project is expected to yield significant social, health, and economic benefits, and work will commence immediately.
Details of the approved funds include a total release of ₦2,835,150,000 for the 1 Youth 2 Skills Business Financing Scheme, broken down as follows:
Business Financing Scheme: ₦2,588,520,000,1Youth 2 Skills Cooperatives Start-up: ₦141,900,000,Graduation and Certification: ₦73,230,000,1Youth 2 Skills Mentorship Scheme and ₦31,000,000,Consolation to Deceased Families: ₦500,000.
