By Israel Mbam
To complement Ebonyi State Government empowerment scheme, the umbrella body of all former student leaders in Ebonyi State; The Ebonyi Senior Comrades Forum led by Barr Chinedu Nwuze has trained and empowered over two hundred students drawn from the different tertiary institutions in the State.
The two days flag off of the entrepreneurship training and empowerment program was held at Agon Palace Abakaliki on 25 and 26th July, 2025.
aimed at empowering 200 students from various tertiary institutions across the state with practical business skills.
In his address, the forum Chairman, Barr. Chinedu Nwuze, said the initiative which is annual programme of the group was a strategic effort to complement the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, particularly in the areas of education and skill acquisition, as outlined in the “People’s Charter of Needs” policy.
He noted that there was urgent need for students to become job creators in today’s competitive economic climate, and to change the mindset of students that they go to school just for white collar job.
“This entrepreneurship training is not just an academic exercise. It is a vital intervention to prepare our youths with the skills, mindset, and knowledge needed to start and sustain businesses. I am a living witness, I benefited from this kind of mentorship, and today I am a lawyer and entrepreneur. What you gain here can sustain you for life,”
Addressing the participants, some of the resource persons, Dr. Lazarus Nwagwu and Dr. Hilary Ifeanyi Nweli challenged them to utilize opportunitiee within their environment and to take the lessons learnt from skills training seriously to better their lives.
The training featured practical sessions on business plan development, funding and financial literacy, legal and regulatory frameworks, mentorship and networking.
Earlier in his speech, Speaking the Chairman of the Skill Acquisition program, Comr. Dr. Nwurukwu Olisa Alfred revealed that most universities lack the facilities and manpower to teach entrepreneurship in a practical way.
“Our students learn entrepreneurship in theory, but this training gives them real-life experience. We want them to go beyond the classroom and acquire practical knowledge that can change their lives,” he explained.
One of the guests, Hon. Immaculate Ibe, a senior comrade and current Development Centre Coordinator of Afikpo North-East, encouraged the students to persevere through challenges. She also shared her personal achievements through skills development
“I once sold pears, charcoal, and other items to support myself through school. So don’t despise small beginnings. Keep pushing and never relent in your journey toward financial freedom,” she advised.
The SUG President of Ebonyi State University, Comr. Aliede Victor Aliede, lauded the initiative, saying: “I’m honoured to be here. It’s not easy to gather students and impact knowledge outside of academic learning. This is inspiring.”
Beneficiaries also shared their experiences. The Student Union President of Ebonyi State Science and Technology, Comr. Nwobashi Ernest Chukwudi, and Miss Nwuze Chinonso Bethel from Ebonyi State University, expressed gratitude for the life-changing lessons learned.
“Before now, I saw business only as a way to make money. But this training has taught me how to prioritize my needs, plan properly, and think creatively,” said Nwuze Bethel.
The Forum reiterated its commitment to youth development and promised continued support beyond the training, adding that different companies have been contacted to further train and empower the participants.
