There was jubilation at the headquarters of Enugu-East Local Government Area following the signing of the amended Human Capital Development (HCD) Bye-Law by the Council Chairman, Engr. Beloved Dan Anike.
The amendment marks a significant step toward advancing education, skill acquisition, and the empowerment of women and the girl child across the council area. Under the new law, 10 percent of the council’s annual revenue will be committed to the Human Capital Development Trust Fund, with 30 percent of that allocation specifically earmarked for a Women Endowment Fund.
The council also announced plans to commit up to N1 billion annually to the Trust Fund, with a long-term vision of producing 1,000 professionals across various fields over the next decade. This initiative is aimed at repositioning the people of Enugu-East for global competitiveness and restoring a strong culture of excellence.
Speaking at the well-attended event, which drew traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and women associations, Anike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development through education.
“We are determined to raise 1,000 professionals who can compete favourably on the global stage within the next ten years,” he said. “Our focus is to redirect the energy of our youths toward education as a tool to fight poverty and reduce involvement in social vices such as Ogbanecheagu.”
He further explained that the Trust Fund would support a range of initiatives, including bursaries, skill acquisition programmes, and a revolving loan scheme targeted at empowering women cooperatives, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, while also promoting girl-child education.
Part of the fund will also be used to support the operation of the 17 Smart Schools within the local government area, reinforcing the council’s broader commitment to sustainable human capital development.
