BY JUDITH OBIANUA
The Delta State Government, in partnership with the Enterprise Development Center at Atlantic University, has taken a major step to combat youth unemployment by empowering young women aged 18 to 35.
The program is being facilitated through the office of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Development, and Girl Child Entrepreneurship, with the aim of creating sustainable job and business opportunities for women in the State.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Consultant of Doctor Fish Agric Consult, Mr. Israel Yusuf shared these insights during a three-day training session where he stressed that the program’s objective is to empower young women to become successful business owners and job creators over the next one to three years.
“Our goal is to see that women can become independent, successful, and eventually employ others,” he said.
Highlighting the current economic challenges, Yusuf noted that traditional job opportunities remain limited, making it essential to focus on creating entrepreneurial ventures.
He noted that the program aims to turn at least 80 per cent of participants into successful business owners while expressing confidence in the potential of young women to drive economic progress in Delta State.
The initiative, which has already been implemented across the 25 local government areas of Delta State, is seen as a critical move in the state’s ongoing efforts to support youth and girl-child empowerment.
Yusuf commended the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership in supporting the program, as well as Commissioner Orode Uduaghan for her commitment to the welfare of young women in the state.
According to Mr Yusuf, participants are given the chance to create business plans. ‘’These plans are then assessed, with grants awarded to those whose plans meet established standards.
‘’Participants who do not receive a grant are paired with business mentors for three months to help them refine their entrepreneurial skills, with additional incentives provided to support their progress.
“Every participant will benefit from this program; no one will be left behind, underlining the program’s inclusive approach to youth empowerment and its potential to contribute to Delta State’s economic growth.” He added
