By Emeka Nwokocha
Nathan Osume Foundation, Thursday 18 June, officially launched its maiden and landmark Women and Youth Empowerment Training Scheme to achieve its vision of promoting human capital development, reducing unemployment, and fostering sustainable economic growth at the grassroots across Delta Central Senatorial District. Beneficiaries of the training were drawn from the eight local government areas of Delta Central and will receive training in areas such as Tailoring and Fashion Design, Hair Dressing and Beauty Care, Catering and Confectioneries, Professional Makeup and Eyelash Services.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, the Chairman/CEO of the Nathan Osume Foundation, Mr. Nathan Esiri Osume, stated that the initiative was conceived in response to the growing economic challenges facing many households, particularly women and youths who often bear the brunt of unemployment, poverty, and limited access to opportunities. According to Osume, the training programme was being implemented in partnership with Sonak Communications Acquisition Centre, stating that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empower vulnerable groups and create opportunities for the beneficiaries to attain self-reliance after acquiring practical and entrepreneurial skills.
He said, “Meaningful development can only be achieved when citizens are empowered with the skills, knowledge, and resources required to become productive members of society.” Osume noted that while government interventions remain important, private foundations, community leaders, and development-oriented organisations also have a critical role to play in complementing government efforts aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
“The future of our communities depends largely on the capacity of our women and youths. When women are empowered, families become stronger. When youths are equipped with relevant skills, communities become more productive, peaceful, and prosperous. “This initiative is our modest contribution towards building a better future for the people of Delta Central,” he stated.
Osume added, “This programme has progressed as the trainees have successfully been inducted and are presently undergoing intensive practical and entrepreneurial training in various vocational fields designed to meet contemporary market demands and promote self-employment among women and youths.”
He said, “The trainees would undergo comprehensive practical sessions under experienced instructors who will provide hands-on guidance and mentorship throughout the duration of the programme, adding that beyond vocational training, participants will also receive orientation on business management, customer relations, financial literacy, personal branding, and entrepreneurial development to ensure they possess the knowledge required to establish and sustain successful enterprises upon graduation. “By investing in vocational education and entrepreneurship, the communities are better positioned to create wealth, stimulate local economies, and reduce social vices associated with joblessness.”
Mr. Nathan Esiri Osume
Osume promised the trainees that upon completion of their training, he would be the first customer to buy the best products that would be produced at the training programme. Personalities present at the event described the initiative as timely and impactful, especially at a period many young Nigerians are searching for opportunities to improve their livelihoods amidst prevailing harsh economic realities.
Community leaders and stakeholders commended Nathan Osume for his visionary leadership and commitment to grassroots development, describing the initiative as a welcome development capable of creating lasting socioeconomic impact across Delta Central. The trainees expressed appreciation to the chairman/CEO of Nathan Osume Foundation for setting up the training, stating that the programme offers them opportunities to acquire valuable skills that would improve their income-generating capacity and enhance their overall quality of life.
“This initiative has restored hope to us who never had the opportunity of acquiring vocational training,” stating that, “It’s a life-changing platform for underserved women and youths to become financially independent and contribute meaningfully to wellbeing of their families and communities.” The programme aligns with broader national and global development objectives, including poverty reduction, gender inclusion, youth development, and economic empowerment, just as it seeks to provide participants with practical pathways to financial independence while fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and enterprise.