Real estate investor My-ACE China has urged key stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to stop the culture of offering cash handouts to young people and instead focus on building sustainable skills that can support long-term careers. Speaking at the unveiling of the revived Mbo Vocational and Craft Centre in Enwang, China said the region must prioritise practical empowerment that encourages economic growth and job creation.
China, who is the Managing Director of Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, is partnering with the Mbo Local Government Council to expand opportunities for young people through vocational training. He said he was inspired to support the centre by his Special Assistant, Anthony Andemic, who also chairs the Mbo Entrepreneurship Committee. “To support him, we donated toward the upgrade of this centre,” he said. “Today, I’m committing to training 30 of the trainees and providing them with a machine and capital to start up.”
The newly reopened centre has taken in 100 trainees for its first batch, with China sponsoring 30 of them. Each beneficiary will receive starter packs and take-off capital at the end of the six-month programme, which is designed to strengthen skills acquisition and promote entrepreneurship among young people.
China commended the Mbo Local Government Chairman, Etim Sunday, for creating a system that focuses on long-term empowerment instead of temporary support. “The chairman is bringing people, especially youths, out of poverty systematically. If you haven’t set up at least 300 youths in your community, you’re not a resourceful LG chairman,” he said. He urged leaders across sectors to take responsibility for building skilled communities. “I urge government and political leaders to arise and fish— not by sharing money, but by empowering people to stand on their own. Big men, arise and fish.”
Earlier, Andemic said the upgraded centre now hosts several vocational paths aimed at boosting enterprise development and increasing productivity in the region. “Our target is to transform Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria. Productivity is the key innovation,” he stated.
Chairman Etim described the centre as a revived project that was previously abandoned and vandalised. He expressed satisfaction that it is now ready to shape future careers for young people. “We are unveiling a hub for innovation, skills acquisition, and enterprise,” he said. “Trainees will receive quality instruction in Cosmetics, Catering, Fashion and Design, and ICT. Soon, we will expand into Woodwork, Carpentry, Mechanical Engineering, Auto Repairs, Agriculture, and other specialised crafts.”
Etim said the centre will also help trainees prepare for certification exams including NASTEB and Trade Test Certification. He called on more partners to sponsor trainees, provide tools, support internships, and assist graduates in setting up new businesses. “Together, we can build a skilled, self-reliant, and productive Mbo,” he said.
He added that the council is sponsoring 11 youths currently enrolled at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, noting that the commitment represents an investment in the future of the community.
