The Government of Anambra State under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR has introduced Smart learning devices to enhance the Umuboi Entrepreneurship Scheme of the 1Youth 2Skills programme, which also known as Local Enterprise Development Scheme. The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, announced this during the official presentation of the programme’s Registration Forms and other materials to the leadership of ASMATA in his office at the Ministry of Youth Development Awka.
Mr. Agha Mba disclosed that the Umuboi programme under 1Youth 2Skills has been enhanced with the following introductions, the use of Talking Book and Pen that contains all the modules for the Entrepreneurship Scheme. This makes it possible for Umuboi to go through the lectures even in the shops. He stated the smart devices will be given to all Umuboi that were selected to participate in the programme. He called on the Market Leaders, to insist that only the most qualified and real Umuboi were selected for screening and empowerment, emphasizing that the programme is neither for compensation nor for political patronage.
The commissioner also said that the ability of Umuboi to compete and succeed in business based on global best practices, must be tested through, thorough project monitoring and performance evaluations. The successful ones are certified by UNIZIK Business School after the examination for Business Financing.
He also said that Umuboi will be encouraged to join the Online Entrepreneurship Academy for personal development and certification, stating the online Entrepreneurship Academy gives people the opportunity to learn the entrepreneurship courses from any part of the world, but that one can only be eligible to get UNIZIK certificate and business financing funds only by passing through the 1Youth 2Skills programme. He notified that there will be a Value Re-Orientation and Capacity Building Workshop for Umuboi in a few days time to ensure that all Umuboi selected for the programme imbibe the right values and also understand the operations of the smart devices.
The commissioner lauded Mr. Governor Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, for the Local Enterprise Development initiative, especially the idea of bringing back the practice of apprenticeship, which made Igbo man exceptional in enterprise development all over the world. He stated the actions of Mr. Governor in modernizing the Umuboi programme through the use of smart devices will help in reducing the “Get Rich Quick” syndrome, presently prevalent among the youths.
Mr Commissioner also said that every Umuboi is already a potential Master and Millionaire because apart from learning the trade, they are already close to their customers.
Highlight of the event was the handing over of the Umuboi Entrepreneurship Scheme Materials to the President General of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, Chief Hon. Humphrey Anuna.
Present during the event were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth Development and other Management staff of the Ministry, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, as well as the Executive Members of ASMATA in the state.
