Rep Ottah Agbo flags off another training/empowerment programme for youth, women

…Reaffirms Commitment To Empowering Constituents

Reported by Andrew Agbese

The Honourable Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo has flagged off another round of Empowerment Programme for youths and women in his Constituency, begining with Ado LGA.

A statement signed by the lawmaker’s Special Adviser on Media, Andrew Agbese noted that the programme which will last for three days started today, in Igumale, the headquarters of Ado LGA. The statement also added that, after Ado, various training/empowerment programmes will commence in Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs next month!

The programme, aimed at training and empowering over 300 youths and women, in Ado alone, was facilitated by the Honourable Member through the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and National Research Institute For Chemical Technology, Zaria in conjunction with Seapoch Associates Resources Limited.

Participants at the 3-Day Training/ Empowerment are expected to be equipped with knowledge to produce household products like detergents, disinfectants and confectionery as well as entrepreneurial skills to manage their businesses. At the end of each training, participants will be given money to start their own business in order to be self reliant!

This year’s training which is currently holding in Igumale, Ado LG of Benue State was declared open by the Dr. Ottah Agbo popularly known as the Ozigizaga and Moving Train of Enone.

Dr. Ottah Agbo while declaring the programm open, said it is partly in fulfilment of the promise he made to bring infrastructural and human capital development to his constituency that he facilitated the training for members of his Constituency.

The Lawmaker who doubles as the Chairman, Narcotic Drugs Committee and Spokesman of the Minority Caucus in the House, said as Nigeria is facing challenges of unemployment and inadequate social welfare facilities, it is expedient on people to acquire knowledge and develop skills that will make them self reliant and productive.

“I urge participants not to see the programme as a jamboree but to take the training seriously so as to be useful to themselves, their families, communities and the nation,” he stated.

Director General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Prof JT Bamina, in a goodwill message, appreciated the large turn out of participants and stressed the importance of the training, saying it will go a long way in adding value to participants and their communities.

Represented by the head of internal audit of the Institute, Mr. John Sokoya, the DG commended Dr. Ottah Agbo for facilitating the programme and urged the participants to see it as a futuristic project which knowledge can be passed to generations.

CEO of Seapoch Associates Resources Limited, Mr. Sunday Igbene, also commended the Honourable Member for investing in his constituency.

He urged the participants to value the knowledge brought to their door steps by using the skills to impact positively on others.

Participants on Day One, have started learning how to make organic soaps, petroleum jellies, cakes, hand sanitizers, hand wash, air fresheners and doughnuts.

Dignitaries at the occasion include Mr. Daniel Ogbede, Head of Stores of NRICT, Mr. Adeseye Bamidele, standing for the Head of Procurement of the Institute, serving Councillors of Ado LGC, former Vice chairman of Ado Local Government, Hon. Andy Otokpa; Chairman of PDP in Ado, Hon. Steve Aluna; Vice Chairman of PDP in Ado, Mr. Oche Onminyi, Coordinator African Rights Foundation, Mathew Oche; former Caretaker Chairman of Ado, Abel Onazi and many others.

Last year, about 1,000 persons drawn from Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency received various forms of training in Okpoga, at the end of which, they were given starter packs to start their businesses!