By Stella Oko-Esene
Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Domestic, Comrade Udeme Effiong, has commenced a 5-day skills acquisition programme in Udung Uko Local Government Area, aimed at equipping young people with vocational skills to thrive.
The initiative known as Learn, Earn and Thrive (L.E.T.) Skill Acquisition/Empowerment Programme is a training programme on hair dressing, tiles and tiling, fashion designing, pastries, solar installation, paint production and painting, fascinator, hand fan, cap and bead making, afro business training, cosmetology, shoe making and haircut and styling.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at Ekim Townhall in Udung Uko Local Government Area, the initiator, Comrade Udeme Effiong, charged the beneficiaries of the programme not only to learn, but also to apply the knowledge acquired, to better their lives and further create employment for others.
Comrade Effiong said that the programme, which is organised in partnership with the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), is complementing the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, whose vision, is to create opportunities for Udung Uko people.
“To our beneficiaries, I urge you: take this opportunity seriously. Learn with passion, apply your knowledge, and in no time, you will not only become self-reliant but also an employer of labour—creating opportunities for others.
“This programme is firmly rooted in the ARISE Initiative of our dear Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D. His vision is clear: to create opportunities, empower the youth, and build inclusive communities where no one is left behind,” he remarked.
Speaking at the event, Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Pastor Ann Abraham, commended the initiator, describing the training programme as worthy of emulation.
She also encouraged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously while positioning themselves to pass on the knowledge to others in future.
Also speaking, the Press Secretary to the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Uduak Ekong, applauded the visionary initiative of the convenor, Udeme Effiong, commending him for not doling out cash but empowering participants through skill training that offers them the potential for lifelong financial independence to support themselves and their families.
The Clan Head of Afaha Ubodong, His Highness Ofong Oyokunyi Idiokune expressed his delight over the first-of-it’s- kind skills acquisition programme, thanking Comrade Udeme Effiong for contributing to the development of his community, by giving back to the people.
Goodwill messages were received from colleagues of Mr Udeme Effiong and stakeholders of Udung Uko Local Government Area.