Tinubu’s Aide, Nweze vows to tackle unemployment, reduce poverty among youths in S-East 

…,,.. launches 3rd batch of S-East Skills Acquisition Programme

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South East region, Barr. Chioma Nweze has vowed to tackle unemployment, reduce poverty and promote inclusive economic growth across the South East.

She, however, launched the third batch of the Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme, taking place across selected centres in the zone.

Nweze in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State, said the participants are picked from all the LGAs in the SouthEast region.

The Nations News reports that the initiative is designed to sustain grassroots development drive, equip youths and women with practical, income-generating skills.

She emphasized that the program is currently underway in key locations, including Uburu, with participants receiving hands-on training in fashion design, catering, hairdressing, ICT, photography, make-up artistry, and other creative and entrepreneurial trades.

“Beyond vocational instruction, the programme integrates business development and financial literacy sessions aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship capacity, improving market readiness, and ensuring long-term sustainability for beneficiaries.

Nweze reiterated that sustainable development is anchored on empowering individuals to become economically self-reliant. 

She emphasized that the programme reflects a broader vision to tackle unemployment, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive economic growth across the South East.

“Our vision is to raise a generation of skilled, confident, and self-sufficient young people who will not only create wealth for themselves but also contribute meaningfully to the economy of our region,” she stated.

“Success stories from the first and second batches continue to validate the programme’s impact, with several beneficiaries reportedly establishing viable small-scale businesses and cooperatives within their communities. 

The positive outcomes from earlier phases informed the expansion of the third batch, which is expected to accommodate more participants and introduce additional specialisations aligned with evolving market demands.

The Community leaders, youth representatives, and women groups across the region have commended Nweze’s consistent investment in human capital development, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention capable of driving long-term socio-economic transformation.

The ongoing training is scheduled to culminate in a graduation and empowerment ceremony later in the year, where participants will receive start-up kits and structured mentorship support to ease their transition into sustainable ventures.

Observers revealed that the programme continues to position Barr. Chioma Nweze’s empowerment model as a reference point for community-driven development and youth-focused economic revitalisation in the South East.