Professor Joseph Ezigbo Youth Empowerment Scheme Inaugurated At Abatete Idemili North Council Area 

To take youths off the street and engage them in meaningful ventures, the Professor Joseph Ezigbo Youth Empowerment Scheme, under the auspices of Professor Joseph Ezigbo Foundation, has been inaugurated at Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area.

Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that at the inauguration, one Mr. Chigozie Obichukwu, a business man, received a cheque for one point three million naira, while another, Mr. Olisaeloka Nwolisa, a transporter, received cheque for one-million-naira financial support.

The Board Chairman of the scheme, Mr Chuma Aghanwa said the scheme will continue to identify male and women artisans from Umuebo for fifty to one hundred-thousand-naira interest-free loans to grow businesses, consider scholarships for selected first class honour students from Umuebo in any Nigerian University, possibly assist indigent and stranded University students financially, among others.

The Benefactor of the foundation, Professor Joseph Ezigbo, represented by Dr. Sunny Ezigbo said enthusiasm generated at organization of Umuebo family affair resulted to the inauguration of the scheme, promising to sustain efforts towards realizing set objectives in education, health and financial empowerment for economic growth.

The President-General of Abatete Development Organization, Chief Lawrence Odilo, represented by the Secretary-General of the organization, Mr. Obiorah Chidozie, Chairman on the occasion, Chief Emeka Iloegbunam said empowering the youths will save the society all forms of social vices, while the Youth Wing Chairman of the organization, Chief Paul Okafor enjoined those empowered to be committed to achieving results, calling on more people in Abatete to emulate Professor Ezigbo’s philanthropic gesture.

The Traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emeka Efobi, and the Traditional Prime Minister of the community, Chief Pius Ezeigwe said youth empowerment has become necessary in Abatete in order to secure the future of the community, describing the scheme as the most important one in the town.

The event featured a display of cultural dance by youths of the community.