Ezeagu in Diaspora International Association (EDIA) has launched a N100 million youth empowerment programme in Enugu State to train 500 young people from Ezeagu Local Government Area in various skills and trades. The initiative was unveiled at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, and targets youths between the ages of 18 and 30. Participants will be trained in vocational, agricultural, digital, artisan, technical, trade, and sports skills.
Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, praised the resilience of the Ezeagu people but cautioned against overreliance on quick money. He advised the beneficiaries to remain focused on building sustainable livelihoods through skill development. According to him, “money without hard work disappears,” stressing that skill acquisition remains a path to lasting success.
In his keynote address, Dr. Kingsley Eze, Managing Director of Tenece Professional Services Limited, commended EDIA for the bold step and highlighted the importance of ideas and innovation in today’s global economy. He urged the youths to apply their energy towards creating solutions that address societal challenges instead of holding onto outdated beliefs about hard work. “If hardworking is deployed in the wrong environment, it will not achieve a great result,” he warned.
Representing the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stated that wealth creation requires both knowledge and capital. He described the initiative as a major step towards the state’s vision of reversing the japa syndrome and driving economic growth. “EDIA is sowing seeds in young people, and this aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of building prosperity in Enugu,” he said.
President of EDIA, John-Mary Aniagolu, explained that while 1,280 youths registered for the programme, only 500 will benefit in the first phase. He added that 10 participants would travel to Brazil for advanced agricultural training. He appealed to Governor Mbah to absorb the remaining applicants into the state’s skill acquisition schemes. Aniagolu further announced that his company, E & C Logistics Ltd. (EASYWAY), has offered 20 automatic job placements to Ezeagu youths, while another member pledged 21 additional slots.
Aniagolu also revealed a N100 billion partnership signed by an Ezeagu indigene, Chief Nnamdi Silas Ozor, with the Enugu State Government and Sunghai Agro Regional Industry to revive the Sunghai Farm Estate in Heneke, Ezeagu. He said the project would create massive employment opportunities for local residents.
Highlighting EDIA’s mission, Aniagolu stated that the association is focused on driving economic growth through skills and mentorship, supporting SMEs with micro-financing, strengthening community security, and working with government on development projects. “We are determined to rebrand, rebuild, and reinstate the integrity and ingenuity of Ndi Ezeagu,” he declared, assuring the youths that “another generation of millionaires and billionaires will emerge through hard work and resilience.”
The event drew traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders, all of whom pledged their support for EDIA’s vision of a prosperous and empowered Ezeagu.
