By Tony Ezike
Hundreds of participants from the 21 LGAs of Anambra State are currently undergoing a 2-Day training on Technology Skill Transfer Initiative of Senator Uche Ekwunife CON, on Aqua Bio Resources for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The event, holding from October 23rd to 24th, 2024, is organized by the Director General, South-East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The training aims to equip participants with entrepreneurial skills in fish farming and other aquatic ventures, enhancing food production in the region.
Speaking at the event, Chief Laboratory Technologist at the National Board for Technology Incubation Center, Nnewi, and Food Scientist, Oyerebu Ahmed, emphasized the importance of the program, noting that it will position participants as food suppliers and employers of labor. He urged them to make full use of the skills acquired, adding that the Ministry will provide startup funds and certification to help participants launch their businesses.
Zonal Director of the South East National Board for Technology Incubation, Clarice Chijioke, highlighted the critical role entrepreneurship plays in driving the economy, encouraging participants to seize the business opportunities presented by the training.
Professor Helen Agu of the Department of Food Science and Technology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, spoke on the technological development of fish production and the fish value chain. She stressed that the training would enable participants to embark on aquatic business ventures using locally available materials.
Several participants, including Aniero Raluchukwu, Chukwuemeka Okeke, and Rita Okoye, expressed gratitude to Senator Ekwunife for providing them with this life-changing opportunity and pledged to positively impact their communities with the skills gained.
Senator Uche Ekwunife, who was represented by Prof Josephat Ogbuagu in her remarks, underscored the significance of the training in promoting food security and economic empowerment for Ndi Anambra, especially women in the state.
She stated, “This initiative is part of my vision to uplift individuals and small-scale entrepreneurs by equipping them with practical skills that will improve their livelihoods and contribute to our state’s food production capacity.” Ekwunife further called on the participants to leverage the knowledge acquired to transform their communities and the local economy..
