In a revolutionary bid to reshape the narrative and future of students in Edo State that will be graduating from secondary school by August this year and other creative young minds on the street, SkillUp Naija, an empowerment organization, has unveiled the Edo Teens’ Enterprise Campaign (EDOTEC- Project Catch them young).
A statement issued by Dr. Kenneth Otidi for Skillup Naija noted that the initiative is set to empower 50,000 young Edo sons and daughters with the “Skills to Wealth: An Entrepreneur’s Manual” and provide them with an exclusive six-month mentorship programme, propelling them towards becoming active entrepreneurs.
According to Otidi, the pioneer sponsor of this groundbreaking project is none other than Dr. Charles Osazuwa, founder and head pastor of Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International (RACAI). Dr. Charles Osazuwa will kickstart the campaign by gifting the first 200 copies of the “Skills to Wealth” book. His commitment to empowering the youth underscores the importance of providing tangible tools for self-sufficiency.
“The grand patron of EDOTEC-Project Catch them young, Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, extends his love and support to the sons and daughters of Edo through this transformative initiative. Chief Sam Igbe recognizes the potential within the youth and believes that EDOTEC will serve as a catalyst for positive change, unlocking opportunities that will uplift Edo State.
“Edo State, like many regions, faces challenges that threaten the very fabric of its future. The pressing issues of cultism and money rituals, masquerading as online fraud (aka yahoo yahoo), pose a significant threat to the dreams and aspirations of the Edo youth. EDOTEC boldly offers the immediate solution, providing a platform for skill acquisition and development, mentorship, and entrepreneurial empowerment to counteract these threats,” he said.
He noted that, “EDOTEC activities are lined up to refocus and reposition our youth starting with those about leaving Secondary School in other to catch them young. Such activities which include Skills Acquisition & Development, SHAPE/Personality Test, Entrepreneurship Induction, Problems/Solutions Orientation, Presentation Training & Challenge, Pitching and Exhibition Challenge, Enterprise Street Test, etc., will be carried out on-site and online in all the 18 Local Government Areas, starting will Oredo.
“The event flag-off for the Edo Teens’ Enterprise Campaign is scheduled for May 3rd, 2024, at the Benson Idahosa University Convocation Hall, University Way, off Upper Adesuwa Road, GRA, Benin City, commencing at 10am. This occasion marks the beginning of a transformative journey for thousands of young minds eager to break free from the shackles of limited opportunities. EDOTEC aims to refocus the vision of Edo young minds from restive vices and quick-wealth-scheme mindset to more resourceful ventures with her bold mission of catching them young.”
Dr. Otidi further noted that, SkillUp Naija, in its commitment to inclusive development, ensures that EDOTEC operations and activities will span across all 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State. The grassroots approach aims to reach every corner of the state, leaving no teenager behind and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship from the grassroots up.
“The visionaries behind EDOTEC, Dr. Charles Osazuwa and Chief Sam Igbe, call on all well-meaning Edolites to rally behind SkillUp Naija and support this unparalleled initiative. The goal is not merely to empower individuals but to unleash an army of young entrepreneurs who will, in turn, drive the economic landscape of Edo State towards prosperity. For participation, email: [email protected], website: www.skillupnaija.com/edocraft,” according to the statement.
