Abia to Set Up Free Skill Training Centers Across Senatorial Districts

In a bid to empower its youth population with essential skills, the Abia State government has announced plans to establish tuition-free schools in each of its three senatorial districts. These schools will offer a one-year residential training program aimed at equipping youths with vital skills.

The revelation came from Prince Okey Kanu, the commissioner for information and culture, during a press briefing following this week's executive council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia, the state capital.

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Kanu emphasized the administration's departure from the practice of empowering youths solely through means such as tricycle distribution, stating a focus on skill acquisition to foster self-reliance.

The training program will encompass various skills including solar power assembly and installation, Plaster of Paris (POP) designing and installation, painting, masonry, and tiling, among others.

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Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive financial support to establish their own businesses. Kanu highlighted the shortage of artisans with these skills in the state, stressing the necessity of addressing this gap.

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The commissioner also announced the government's decision to ban "One way traffic" across the state as part of its commitment to proper governance.

In light of the forthcoming inauguration of the Geometric Power Company plant in Aba on Saturday, February 24, this month's sanitation exercise has been suspended.