State government has expressed satisfaction over the ongoing Presidential Amnesty Program at Innoson Kiara Academy.
Governor Willie Obiano stated this at the Commissioning of Education for Employment (E4E) Program for Niger Delta Youths at the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Nnewi.
The Program is a youth empowerment and industry support initiative in partnership with IVM, the federal and State government, aimed at equipping the Niger Delta Youths with several entrepreneurship skills such as vehicle body works, mechanic, air conditioner repairs, among others
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Obiano applauded the initiative saying that it is the best way to internalize the Niger Delta youths by equipping them with requisite skills for gainful employment.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, the Governor called on more people, especially industrialists in different sectors, to replicate what Innoson is doing.
The Special Adviser the President and the Coordinator of the Program, Rtd Brigadier General Paul Boroh, stressed that the program which had been on course since 2009 seeks to ensure that the youths start something on their own, thereby leaving the stipend regime, pointing out that with the program in place, alot more armed youths are laying down their arms to join.
Brigadier General Boroh who disclosed that it is the first time they are training people on assembling cars anywhere in Nigeria, noted that three thousand, five hundred and eighty three thousand youths have been successfully empowered, and that one thousand and forty are currently in the program, all geared towards pursing further peace and infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Innoson Kiara Academy, Mr Endi Ezengwa said that the program which is under the Ministry of Education’s SEPIP program has faired well in Nnewi, having an entrepreneurship atmosphere, expressing optimism that mini Innoson Vehicle Companies will spring up in the South South region in the coming years.
Mr Ezengwa added that the youths at the end will be empowered with skills, with money in their pockets.
Accompanying the Governor was the Commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha.
They were later conducted round the teaching facility.