Over five hundred youths, women and men in Delta State have been trained and empowered with financial packages to start up their businesses by OVL Foundation in collaboration with the Kings and Queens Helping Hands Foundation Worldwide and other partners.
The beneficiaries were trained in various vocational , technical and entrepreneurial skills including soap making and hygiene products, catering, auto gele and turbans , paint making and digital skills.
The event tagged, ”9ja Youth Drive 2025 Delta , was held in Asaba amidst jubilation and praises by the participants for the opportunity to successfully acquire skills free if charge.
Some beneficiaries of the training who shared their experiences, were full of gratitude to the organizers of the event.
One of the facilitators at the training, Mr Fred Mac who anchored the paint making session, said he was able to impart the basic knowledge and practical to the trainees within the period of the training.
He said the challenge in paint making industry was sourcing high quality materials.
The Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Kings and Queens Helping Hands Foundation, Ambassador Blessing Erere Esemuede said the foundation started last year, and had so far carried forty five various projects geared towards putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged ones through empowerment.
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She stated, ”To God be the glory. The programme was very successful. We were able to train five hundred people for vacational skill acquisition in addition to the digital training by the OVL Foundation in other parts of Delta State ”
Mr Victor Laniyan , Chairman, OVL Foundation, said the training and empowerment was part of activities to commemorate international youth day celebration.
”At OVL Foundation, we believe that empowering youths, is not just an option , it is a responsibility. Through the 9ja Youth Drive, in partnership with our critical stakeholders, we have equipped one thousand, two hundred and fifty seven young men and women in Niger Delta with vocational and technical skills; preparing them, not just for today’s jobs but for the leadership in shapening tomorrow’s economy.”
”To our graduates, you are the heros of today’s celebration. You are the launchpads for creativity, innovations and independence. We charge you to go forth and showcase the skills that are the true currency of the future. To our partners, especially our technical partners, I say thank you. Your support has turned vision into reality ”
There were goodwill messages from technical, commercial and spiritual partners including IHS, and the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Asaba Agape Foundation.
Highlights of the event included presentation of certificates to the graduants, as well as financial rewards for groups that performed extraordinarily.
Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
