Anambra Women Affairs Commissioner Relaunches Free Skills Scheme in Awka
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, has revived her Ministry’s Free Skills Acquisition Programme, with registration now open for the first phase to residents of Awka and environs.
The programme is aimed at equipping young women and men with practical, income-generating skills to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, the Ministry said the initiative aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s agenda on youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and sustainable economic development.
“This intensive 6-month training offered by the Ministry aligns with Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s commitment to youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development. Participants will receive hands-on training from experienced facilitators and exit with skills that can be immediately converted into livelihoods,” the statement read.
The Ministry said beneficiaries of Phase 1.0 would undergo training in six vocational areas over a period of six months. The areas include Catering and Confectioneries, Computer Education, Hair Dressing, Cosmetology, Tailoring and Fashion Design, and Textile Crafts.
It noted that while the current phase is restricted to Awka, subsequent phases would be extended to other parts of the state.
The Ministry stated that applicants must be young people aged 18 years and above, and that registration would take place at the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Awka.
It added that the training would last six months and that registration would run from July 13 to July 27, 2026.
The Ministry further noted that a token fee would be required for registration forms and that slots were limited.
Interested applicants were advised to visit the Ministry within the registration window to obtain forms and complete the process. For enquiries, the Ministry listed 07030217879 and 07068580385.
The Ministry also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups in Awka to mobilise eligible candidates to take advantage of the opportunity.
