“We’re creating enabling environment for young entrepreneurs in Enugu”
By Moses Oyediran, Enugu
Enugu State Government has assured youths in the state of the commitment of the present administration in creating enabling environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive.
Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Manfred Nzekwe made this known after presenting a cheque of ₦100,000 and a sponsorship package to Odemena Chukwu and Anthony Anaelechukwu winners of 2020 Youth Enterprise Ideal Challenge a programme organized by Enugu Youth Entrepreneurship Network (EYEN).
Nzekwe, who also rolled out the state programmes geared towards enhancement of youths development in the state, warned that youths must at all time endeavour to abstain from activities capable of ruining their future.
“On behalf of EYEN, I present a cheque of ₦100,000 to Odemena while Anaelechukwu has been awarded a scholarship to undergo recycling training with the Lagos State Waste Management Academy (LAWMA),” he said.
The commissioner noted that 2020 international Youth Day seeks to put the spotlight on youths engagement through.
”The present administration is committed towards engagement of youths of the state in driving social innovation, change and participating fully in governance.
“Today, Enugu State is unveiling a giant stride in youth engagement, tagged Enugu Youth Rescue Project. It is captured in our action and implementation plan for 2020 till 2023,” Daily Times gathered.
In his remark, the Secretary-General of Enugu Youth Entrepreneurship Network (EYEN), Mr Okoro Ikemba said the ideal behind the entrepreneurship challenge was to create developmental skill and knowledge among young entrepreneurs.
He said, “EYEN is a community-based organisation that uses entrepreneurship to engage youths between the ages of 16 to 35 residing in the city of Enugu.
“We provide entrepreneurship services that enable young people to fulfill their dreams and aspirations of becoming self-employed and business owners.
“Our organisation drives change at the grassroots by using entrepreneurship as a catalyst for socio-economic development for young people which guarantee them access to sustainable livelihoods.
“The founded of EYEN is Ezenwa Okoro, a Mandela Washington Fellow of the Young African Leaders Initiative (a United States Government Program),” he said.
On the handwashing machine which was exhibited at the event, Ikemba said, “This is my own brainchild. The ideal is to help in combating the dreaded coronavirus.
According to him, “The machine is automated handwashing machine called ‘Earth One’.”
READ ALSO: FG to prosecute man for destroying Enugu Airport Fence
“It has lenses. When it senses your hand at zinc, it releases soap for two seconds and then water for eighteen seconds after which it releases sanitiser all from the same tap.”
Conducting the audience who attended the occasion round the machine, Ikemba said, “As you can see, it has a solar panel that can power it. It can also use electricity or battery that can last for 20 hours when fully charged.”
Ikemba urged youths in the country to look inward and think on how they can bring out a solution to their immediate environment.
