Edo Will Create More Jobs Through Skill Acquisition – Commissioner

By Lucky Isibor

Edo State government has reiterated its determination to create more jobs through entrepreneurship and the development of small and medium enterprises using skill acquisition.

The State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Barr. Emmanuel Usoh gave the assurance while declaring open the 2017 Genius Hub conference in Benin City.

Usoh said the state government would utilize skill acquisition centres across the state to empower  as many youths as possible, stressing that Edo State government is prepared to support those who are willing to acquire skills and remain relevant in the ever dynamic world.

He expressed delight that the group’s vision is in sync with the state government’s job creation plans and empowerment especially at the grassroots aimed at making people self reliant.

According to the commissioner, the state government would do all within its reach to sustain the partnership with genius hub in order to reach out to to those who are prepared to become entrepreneurs through  direct funding of small and medium scale enterprises by the development partners like the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Bank of Industry, among others.

Usoh who empowered two graduands if the genius hub skill acquisition with N100,000 each  said he decided to aid the beneficiaries, (Rosemary Isaac and Tosin Ikhide), as they have been able to take their products through the registration with the relevant regulatory agencies and found their way to the market.

He pointed out that the financial assistance will enable the duo expand their businesses, and employ more persons.
He used the opportunity to reiterate the state government’s commitment to create 200,000 jobs within the first four years of the present administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki as a way of empowering the youths.

Products Display at Genius Hub Skill Acqusition Conference

Coordinator of Genius Hub, Mrs Isimeme Ejodame-Whyte said Genius Hub is a non- governmental body established with the aim of assisting youths to acquire skills and get initial starter packs that will make them self employed and even become employers of labour.

There were various products ranging from soap, creams, coconut oil, palm kernel oil among others manufactured by graduands of Genius Hub skill acquisition on display at the event.