A youth assessment programme YOUTHOCRACY Series has praised the efforts of the Enugu state government through the SME Development Center where over 20,000 youths have been empowered with soft loans.
Over 255 delegates drawn from 51 Youth, Students and Civil Society Organizations across the state attended the first Edition of the Programme held Wednesday at Oakland Hotels.
In a communique read by the DG, Youth Orientation Network and Convener, Youthocracy Series, Prince-will Ugwu, the youths passed a vote of confidence on the Enugu SME under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.
The youths who placed the Enugu SME Center under public scrutiny in order to discuss the theme; in-depth Review of Government Programs, Feedback and improvements towards maximum societal productivity: youth perspectives, expressed satisfaction with their findings.
“It gives us joy that at last, Enugu youths have become the first in Nigeria to initiate issue-based direct interface with peers and young persons in governance thereby, saying no to the menace of praise singing without merit and embracing public accountability as the only way to ensure that youths in leadership do not become worse than some of the old folks in high places.
“We thank the Special Adviser to the Governor on SME Development and Investment Promotion, Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah who also doubles as the DG of Enugu SME Center, for honoring our invitation to give account of what the Enugu SME Center have been able to achieve so far through thier numerous programs and to address all lingering issues and misconceptions about Some SME Programs.
“From the Delegates’ findings, and details of his explanation, the records show that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, through the Enugu SME Center has helped over 20,000 skilled youths, women and business start-ups with soft skills, zero interest Human Capital Development Loans & grants, access to jobs, rural community enlightenment, Agric interventions and tech skills.
“On that premise, with 92% grade based on assessment, a “Vote of Confidence on SME Development and Investment Promotion” was passed on the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The 255 Delegates also praise the Agency for its intensive rural community awareness programs, its numerous partnerships with Private Sector as well as incubation of business ideas of the youth through its several initiatives.
“Youth Orientation Network heartily thank all Youth Bodies, Students and Civil organizations who deemed it fundamentally necessary and critical at this point of economic and societal decadence to fraternize with us by sending delegates to participate in this public engagement. We look forward to reciprocating this kind gesture, soonest as we all work towards a better society where government justice, equity, fairness and maximum societal productivity shall thrive.
“We remain grateful and loyal to all Youths, Captains of Industries and Organizations who supported us immensely in cash and kind in order to actualize this goal. The journey to a greater Enugu State has just begun!”
