Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has empowered 10,000 artisans with skills and start-up kits as a rare Christmas and New Year gift to help them achieve economic independence and prosperity.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Square, New Owerri, on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of the Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme in driving human capital development. He commended the beneficiaries for successfully completing their training and becoming part of a new phase of economic empowerment in the state.
“You are among the first set of people to cross the finishing line to the economic breakthrough that will start next year,” the governor stated.
He explained that the programme was designed to address the critical shortage of competent local artisans in Nigeria, especially in the construction sector, which has long been dominated by foreign workers. According to him, the 10,000 beneficiaries were trained in different trades, including tilling, baking, shoemaking, carpentry, welding, food processing, mechanics, vulcanizing, fashion design, make-up, electrical works, plumbing, and other related fields.
Governor Uzodimma stressed the importance of excellence and competitiveness among Nigerian artisans, saying, “The goal is not simply to displace our neighbours, but to establish a standard of excellence so high that you become the undisputed first choice for every client and developer.”
He also used the occasion to highlight the broader economic strategy of his administration, which he recently presented to the Imo State House of Assembly. The plan, he said, is aimed at stimulating growth in multiple sectors beginning January 2026. The governor urged the graduands to focus on quality and innovation as they begin their professional journey.
“This is the best Christmas, a New Year gift you can get for yourselves,” Uzodimma remarked, encouraging the beneficiaries to use their new skills and equipment to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, for their support in promoting empowerment and self-reliance among Nigerians. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining similar empowerment programmes that focus on improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Chief Kenneth Okafor, said the empowerment initiative was created to uplift artisans across different trades and enhance self-reliance. He noted that the programme is part of the government’s broader vision of promoting inclusive growth and developing individual potential.
“The programme focuses on providing not just tools and equipment, but also unlocking opportunities and fostering individual potential,” Okafor said.
He commended Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and dedication to human capital development, describing the initiative as a strategic move toward economic transformation in Imo State. He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the tools and training provided, explaining that they represent gateways to financial independence and community advancement.
Okafor also noted that the programme aligns with the state’s collective vision of fostering unity, resilience, and shared prosperity. He said the empowerment drive reaffirms the administration’s commitment to a brighter and more sustainable future for Imo residents.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Artisans, Hon. Ethelbert Ukonu, also highlighted the importance of the skill-up programme, describing it as a major step toward improving the state’s economy and expanding employment opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Caleb Akunna, an electrician from Orlu Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity. He assured that they would put their training into practical use and remain committed to contributing to the state’s economic growth.
“We will not disappoint the expectations of the governor and Imo people,” Akunna said.
The event ended with the symbolic presentation of start-up kits to the beneficiaries by Governor Uzodimma amid applause from participants and guests.
