Enugu state launches economic empowerment program to combat poverty

The Enugu State government has demonstrated its commitment to reducing poverty through empowerment initiatives, as seen on Wednesday during the launch of the Enugu State Sustainable Economic Empowerment Programme (E-SEEP).

The event, held at the Enugu South Local Government secretariat in Uwani, Enugu, marked the beginning of the first batch of the program, which includes over 200 participants.

The initial phase of the program will last between six weeks and two months, depending on the chosen vocational skill of the participants.

At the opening ceremony, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, encouraged participants to seize the opportunity seriously, aiming to become employers within two years. He emphasized the government’s commitment to unlocking the potential of its people through policies and programs designed to improve living standards.

Read also:

• 
  Nigeria takes bold step to protect domestic workers as bill advances
• 
  FG, Benue partner to transform livestock sector, unlock $74bn growth potential
• 
  NDDC empowers 300 Niger Delta rice farmers with N200,000 starter packs
• 
  UKEF is Empowering Women-Led SMEs to Thrive in Global Trade
• 
  SMEDAN hosts town hall to guide SMEs on tax reforms
• 
  TEF entrepreneurs generate $4.2 billion, create 1.5 million jobs in Africa

Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the focal person for E-SEEP, described the program as a comprehensive initiative. Participants will receive training in one vocational skill, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and digital marketing.

Selected primarily from the state’s unemployment register maintained by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, participants will also benefit from six months of post-training business mentoring by experts in their fields.

The program, which is entirely funded by the Enugu State Government, is free for all participants, with 70% of the first batch consisting of women and physically challenged individuals.