Over 2,000 unemployed youths in Akwa Ibom State have been empowered with knowledge-based tools to look beyond the government for jobs and other handouts.
Drawn from the 31 local government areas of the state, the youths who thronged the Ibom Hall, IBB Way, Uyo, the state capital, venue of the event, were tutored by various resource persons to grab their future and guide it towards self – reliance in skills, vocations, business and other positive ventures.
The scheme tagged, “Activate The Youths 2025”, launched by the Jacob Idungafa Foundation (JIF), aimed at refocusing the minds of the active population to have independent mindsets to secure their future through entrepreneurship.
Addressing the summit with the theme, “Ride To Success,” a philanthropist and chief executive officer (CEO) of Fairtex Group (FG) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, told participants that they should take the gauntlet and toil themselves out of poverty.
He recalled his toiling years, which he noted appeared so bleak, but the slow and torturous process eventually paved the way for one big leap that would disentangle him from poverty and misery forever.
“My story is a sad one, that’s why I put it in a book for you. There was no hope; no solution but I decided to drive myself by God’s grace, I grew up with no mentor, very discouraged, but I didn’t give up.
“I served as a house-help where I eat once a day, I have been an Okada rider (motorcyclist) with only one shoe, lived in an uncompleted building after I was unable to pay for my one room rent, poverty was all over me, but I kept forging ahead.
“The journey of life depends on you. Your parents may try their best it’s up to you to shape your life to overcome poverty. My philosophy of life is to be humbled, very important, take up a skill as an added advantage, I have skill in carpentry, don’t depend much in your certificate, don’t beg to survive, use your energy to work, God will bless the work of your hands.
“When I was riding my Okada, I saw a billboard which read, ‘Take a bold step to achieve what you want.’ That statement motivated me to where I am today. So take a bold step, start life early, don’t joke with your time, don’t associate with poverty, it can lead to crime or depression, use your energy to take yourself out of poverty,” he admonished.
Idungafa further reiterated his readiness to support the youths to succeed, adding that his programme was self-sponsored, not for recognition or political ambitions, promising to sustain the programme on a yearly basis.
He thanked his wife, Mrs Iniette Idungafa, for being a pillar of support, the commissioner for Youth, the resource persons and all who made the programme a success.
The member representing Ukanafun in the state House of Assembly, Hon.Emem Udom, lauded the initiative and commended the sponsor for reorienting the minds of the youthful population to think independently and self-reliantly to curb laziness and poverty in their lives.
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