Deputy Speaker Launches Youth Empowerment Programme in Abia

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kalu, launched a youth empowerment programme in Bende, Abia State, with sponsorship from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and facilitation by Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL). The programme selected 130 youths from Bende Local Government Area, which had the highest number of participants, drawn from its 13 political wards.

Abia and Enugu are the two South-East states chosen for the pilot phase, which commenced with this cohort. Kalu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, AfDB, and FHFL for their commitment to youth empowerment.

He urged participants to remain dedicated, as certificates issued would be recognized nationally and internationally, with job placements arranged for qualifying individuals. Ugwueri John from FHFL noted the programme's alignment with the Federal Government's goal to reduce reliance on white-collar jobs.

Participants expressed gratitude for the initiative, which is set to run from August to November 2026, including two months of theoretical instruction and two months of practical training.