Godwin Udoh
Over 130 indigenes from the five states in Southeastern part of Nigeria have acquired entrepreneurial skills in fish farming, production and aqua-shop management in a 10-day capacity training programme held at Ekenna Street, at GRA Aba, in Abia State.
As part of government’s effort at tackling unemployment and underemployment, especially among the youths, those who benefited from the just concluded collaborative training and start-up tools empowerment programme of the Federal Government and MUNAMAJ Solutions Limited, a consulting firm, includes able bodied and persons living with Special Needs men and women.
Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD), Mr. Obisike Felix, who presented certificates and tools, which includes Reinforced Trampoline, Water Tank, Water Hose, Weighing Scale, Plastic bath, Fingerlings, Fish Feed, Juveniles, Scooping nets, TDS meter to the graduating trainees in Aba, Abia State, said the training and the tools would create employment for the beneficiaries as well as make them employers of labour.
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Obisike described the training as imperative towards achieving youth empowerment and food security in the country.
While advising beneficiaries against diversion of the fishery kits distributed to them but to engage in fishery, the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation of the FMHADMSD said “Fish farming is a lucrative trade, especially in this part of the country. You raise, harvest and supply fish to the market at good price.”
He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity given to them by the Federal Government as it would not only reduce poverty in the country but also reduce the rate of unemployment and underemployment among able youths and Special Needs persons.
“At this point I want really appreciate the effort of the consulting/Training Firm, MUNAMAJ Solutions Limited especially the Center Managers for helping the Government in putting smiles on the beneficiaries.” Obisike Felix added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of MUNAMAJ Solutions Limited, Hon. Ufuoma Johngold, who expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Humanitarian affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for availing the citizens of our Great nation an opportunity to learn new skills and vocations through the N-SKILL program, reiterated that the world has gone beyond seeking white-collar jobs and noted that the need to acquire skills for self-sustenance became imperative.
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Hon. Ufuoma Johngold, who was represented by the Center Manager, Mr. Chukwuemeka Kalu Dike appreciated the security agencies drafted to the venue for securing the environment during the training period.
While also expressing gratitude to the Management of KENKO FARMS LIMITED for availing them the opportunity to use their top class facility, the Chairman of MUNAMAJ Solutions Limited commended instructors Amadi Obinna, Mr. Umeh Mba, Mrs Patience Okonkwo, Mr. Uche Ezema and others for their tirelessness in making sure that the program was a success.
Across of the beneficiaries including Princess Ngozi Nwaguru, Kalu Chidera Destiny, Nwokoro Onyinyechi Victoria, Prince David Onuoha (MC Tallest) and Victor Ozoemena Agusiegbe, who spoke in Aba on Tuesday, said the gesture avail them opportunity to learn fishery skills and engage in profitable venture.
They thanked the Federal Government and the consultant (MUNAMAJ SOLUTIONS LIMITED) for not looking down on the Special Needs persons among them but rather treated everyone equally with love and care.
In the words of Princess Ngozi Nwaguru who is one of the Executives of the physically challenged persons in Abia State “You guys are the best as we have participated in trainings which is nothing to compare with this one in coordination, organisation and welfare of the beneficiaries.”
One of the trainees, Kalu Chidera Destiny said she learnt a lot from the training programme, adding the exercise impacted positively and equipped her with skills to set up her business.
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According to her “Initially I didn’t know what fishery is all about, now, I learnt a lot and I can start fish business.
“We are exposed to breeding, brooding and other interesting things about fish culture.
“I count myself lucky to be part of the fishery training programme because I have been idle since my graduation from school,”
Another beneficiary, Mr. Victor Ozoemena Agusiegbe, said the gesture would stimulate job creation for the youths, reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation in the society.
He expressed readiness to ensure effective utilisation of the skills and start-up kits by engaging in productive activities to provide employment to others.
“Apart from setting up my own fish farm, I will also help other unemployed youths by teaching them what I’ve learnt during the fishery training exercise.
“My message to fellow trainees is that they shouldn’t just go home and sleep on the skills acquired.”
