Mbah commends Enugu East LGA boss’ N1.2bn human capital development programme

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Governor Peter Mbah has commended the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, for launching a N1.2 billion human capital development programme aimed at equipping youth with technological skills, fostering entrepreneurship, promoting scholarship, and enhancing employability.

Speaking at the programme’s flag-off at the council headquarters, Nkwo Nike, Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, praised the initiative as a bold step towards preparing Enugu youth for global competitiveness.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic participation, job creation, and transitioning Enugu State into a tech-driven economy, stating that he will not back down from his disruptive innovation agenda.

“Governor Mbah is a big advocate of education, and we are always pleased to hear about significant advances in education. We are delighted to visit such places and share in the joy of our students and our community. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is deeply committed to education, and education is central to all we do,” Onyia stated.

He further praised Anike’s leadership, saying: “I would like to recognize the Chairman of Enugu East, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, for all his amazing work. This Mayor is as innovative as His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah. He has aligned with the vision of this government. We are delighted by the innovative work you do. This is one of the several things you promised to do, and we are seeing all the innovations.

The N1.2 billion programme includes: N510 million for scholarships, covering 50 full sponsorships, 100 professional scholarships in medicine, law, and engineering, and 100 postgraduate study grants, N255 million for 1,700 free WAEC registrations

Others are, N200 million for vocational skills training for 1,000 youths and N235 million for the Emerging Tech Program Africa, which will train 50,000 young people in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and other digital fields.

In his address, Anike described the programme as a bold and strategic investment in education, technology, and innovation, aligning with Africa’s demographic advantage. He emphasized that the initiative was designed to ensure that Enugu East contributes skilled professionals, digital entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to the evolving global economy.

“Today, Enugu East Local Government is officially flagging off the Emerging Tech Skills Program in collaboration with the Enugu State Government. This program is being offered by high-impact training institutions and over 170 universities across Europe. It will be a six-week virtual training with a Diploma Certification upon completion as negotiated by the state government.

“This initiative is part of the broader goal of digitally upskilling one million youth and preparing them for careers in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Software Development and Cybersecurity, Machine Learning and Cloud Computing, 3D Animation and Business Intelligence, etc.” he explained.