By Robinson Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Over 200 youths and women have been successfully trained and economically empowered in Oporoma and Otuan, respectively, through grants and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) provided by the Honourable National Assembly member representing the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, in collaboration with the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
While welcoming participants to the special training program organized in Oporoma, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NICO, commended Hon. Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei for this wonderful initiative, which he described as a clear demonstration of love for his people and a genuine interest in the growth and development of the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State.
Ajiboye, represented at the occasion by Mr. Nwajagu Nnaemeka, Enugu State Head of NICO, emphasized that providing grants for women and youths in SMEs is crucial at this point in Nigeria’s history, considering the current administration’s vision to build a buoyant economy, fight corruption, provide jobs, and enhance social inclusion.
“Entrepreneurs are not born; rather, through effective entrepreneurial education, individuals can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to start and grow businesses. The role of skills acquisition in creating employment for women and youths cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary training focusing on the skills and tools needed to start a business or vocation for women and youths is imperative,” he said.
In his remarks, Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei stated that as an elected representative, he takes responsibility for reaching out to his constituents by providing the dividends of democracy.
Hon. Ambaiowei, represented by Dr. Isaiah Korikiye, explained that without delivering these dividends, constituents might not feel the impact of their representative’s efforts in the National Assembly to bring the government closer to the people.
“He is providing basic services through training, empowerment programs, and other initiatives as part of his constituency projects.”
“This venue serves as the Constituency office of Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei. No National Assembly member has made this effort to establish an office to connect with the community. Upon taking office, he committed to creating a place that functions as a liaison office for him to engage with his people.”
“We will operate here during his term, ensuring staff are available to connect with the community. When you relate to those in this office, you’re also establishing a relationship with Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei,” he added.
Speaking on youth and women empowerment as a sustainable practice for SMEs, Guest Lecturer Dr. Franklin Ochuko Obazu highlighted that independence is at the core of what Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei aims to achieve through this initiative.
Dr. Obazu emphasized that the Honorable member wants participants to acquire skills to pass on to future generations and to become independent within any system.
“Nigeria is facing challenges; what do you need? Skills. It’s not just about credentials, it’s about demonstrating capability.”
“You learned how to produce peanuts and make soap, and tomorrow you’ll start small. We’re discussing small-scale businesses, beginning as sole traders, from which you will grow.”
“Hon. Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei is here to equip each of you. Only when you are equipped can you secure bank loans. If you lack skills, who would be willing to grant you a loan? Remember, if you don’t practice what you learn, you risk losing it.”
Regarding empowerment, the Guest Lecturer explained that it involves a system and practice, as evident in the production of peanuts, liquid soap, bleach, and body spray during the training.
“Engr. Rodney will appreciate feedback when we leave. We will return to assess your progress. It’s okay to think big, but starting small is key. All you have learned should be put into practice; that’s how you improve,” he said.
According to him, the essence of this SME training is to empower individuals, providing them with the freedom, power, and platform to pursue their goals, take initiatives, and solve complex problems.
“Without skills, the nation suffers. If Engr. Rodney hadn’t acquired skills, he wouldn’t be capable of delivering this project to the Constituency. Skills are essential for individual, community, and state growth. When you master production techniques, you own that skill, and with self-motivation, you are already on your path.”
“Engr. Rodney loves you and this community so much… I might not quote scripture directly, but he is part of those striving to uplift this community; by equipping you with skills, he is enabling you to gain independence, capable of passing knowledge to future generations”, he added.
A notable aspect emphasized by Hon. Ambaiowei was the importance of women’s empowerment, recognizing them as vital contributors to every community and economy. Nigeria anticipates that by 2030, women will be globally acknowledged as entrepreneurs, and he hopes this initiative will set the foundation for that change.
Youths are the pillars of any nation. Thus, the relevance and benefits of SMEs as a means of creating employment, fostering new industries, and promoting individual entrepreneurship cannot be overstated concerning the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency.
The training and provision of grants for women and youths in SMEs were conducted simultaneously in Oporoma and Otuan, with over 200 participants receiving empowerment packages and certificates of attendance.
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