By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Stakeholders across government agencies, entrepreneurs and artisan groups have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing skills acquisition and artisan development in Imo State at a high-level engagement meeting organized by the Imo State Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition and Social Responsibility.
The meeting, which held in Owerri on Friday, 27 February, with the theme “Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Sustainable Development,” was described by participants as timely and profound. They noted that it came at a critical period when youth empowerment and economic diversification remain central to the government’s objectives.
Declaring the event open, the Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, who represented Governor Hope Uzodimma, stated that the meeting underscored the administration’s dedication to entrepreneurship and skill acquisition as critical pillars of its economic development agenda.
She further disclosed government’s focus on creating a favourable environment for enterprises to thrive, including equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills while ensuring responsiveness to social responsibility.
“I urge participants to remain open, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented, aligning ideas that would strengthen the economy and secure a brighter future for the state,” the deputy governor stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition and Social Responsibility, Prof. Mrs. Love Moses noted that the stakeholders’ meeting was necessitated by the need to promote the activities of entrepreneurs and artisans whom she described as the backbones of the economy.
“In job creation, poverty alleviation, revenue generation and economic development, artisans and entrepreneurs have roles to play in complementing government efforts,” Prof. Love Moses said.
She disclosed the ministry’s resolve to support artisans and entrepreneurs in making tangible contributions toward the growth of the state by unlocking their potential through various trainings and activities. According to her, the social responsibility component of the ministry highlights the importance of synergy in driving collective growth.
In his lecture, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chiemezie Amadi described the gathering as one of the building blocks for massive skills acquisition and empowerment in the state.
He highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and skills development in modern society and outlined his ministry’s ongoing efforts in training young people in digital skills to prepare them for emerging opportunities.
In their separate remarks, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Special Adviser on Artisans, Hon. Ethelbert Ukobu and the his Skills counterpart, Hon. Chidi Onyebuchi described the engagement as more than a mere gathering, calling it a collective responsibility to ensure the success of artisans as valuable economic assets for the overall good of society.
Prominent personalities in attendance included the Owerri Zonal Chairman of the Council of Ndieze, Eze Fred Nwachukwu; the South East Zonal Director of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Chioma Uloaku Ogbonna; the Imo State Manager of the Bank of Agriculture, Esther Okubuike; and the Medical Director of Federal Medical Center, Okigwe, Dr. Emily Akuabia Nzeribe, among others.
Reacting to the initiative, some participants praised it as a thoughtful step in the right direction but urged organizers to intensify efforts aimed at engaging young people in skills development. They emphasized that empowering youths with practical skills would not only reduce crime rates but also boost productivity and economic growth.
Among those who spoke were Hon. Dozie Julius, the Imo State/South East Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), and Engr. Victor Nwadimma of the Nigerian Agribusiness Group.
The meeting concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to advance entrepreneurship and artisan development as strategic tools for sustainable development in Imo State.
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