-By Albert Ograka:

Founder/President of the Prosper Edo Empowerment Programme, an affiliate of Bashorun Askia Foundation (BAF), Chief Prosper Iwoma Edo, says the programme is to complement the Job Creation Model of the state governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa through the establishment of the Skills Training Entrepreneur Programme (STEP).

Edo stated this during the presentation of Starter Packs to the 2nd Batch of beneficiaries of the Empowerment Programme on Friday, August 05, 2022 in Igbide, Isoko South local government area of Delta state.

In his address, Chief Prosper Iwoma Edo said,

“Let me start by thanking Jehovah our maker for making this day a reality and to specially welcome all of you who came from far and near to witness the presentation of Starter Packs to the 2nd Batch of beneficiaries of the Prosper Edo Empowerment Programme an affiliate of Bashorun Askia Foundation (BAF).

“On Saturday 12th May, 2018 under the distinguished Chairmanship of Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas the then Secretary to the State Government (SSG) we unveiled and presented Starter Packs to the 1st Batch of 20 beneficiaries who were trained in Fashion Design and Hair Dressing. 

“In fulfillment of the promise we made that day that we will strive to double our efforts, a total number of 48 applicants out of the 96 that applied were shortlisted to be trained in Fashion Design, Hair Dressing, Plumbing and Barbing. After 2 months of training, 8 Trainees pulled out. Today, by the grace of God we shall present Starter Packs to 24 beneficiaries in Fashion Design, 13 in Hair Dressing, 1 in Plumbing and 2 in Barbing.

“My Chairman, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am glad to announce to you that the 40 Trainees who will immediately become Trainers here seated have gone through the 18 months training and are well skilled to compete favorably in their various fields/careers.

“They are now self employed with the full potentials of wealth creation. This is the actualization of our vision in building a solid Human Capital Development through Skills Acquisition which is a sure bet in tackling the ever rising level of unemployment in Nigeria. 

We are doing this to complement the Job Creation Model of His Excellency Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa through the establishment of the Skills Training Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) etc.

“Within the period of the presentation of Starter Packs to the 1st Batch of beneficiaries and now, we have also trained/presented Starter Packs to:

1. Ugala Akpoviroro  *Welding and Fabrication*

2. Ewhese Victory  *Hair Dressing*

3. Abrere Onoriode  *Hair Dressing* 

4. Akpotozor Uzuazo  *Hair Dressing*

5. Orezi Odubu  *Carpentery*

6. Daniel Sapito  *Carpentery*

“Let me in a very special way appreciate the Man who has over the years helped me push through this Noble dream. The Man who taught me that putting smiles on the faces of people is more fulfilling than amassing all the wealth in this world to yourself. My Father, Guardian, Mentor, Torchbearer *Bashorun Askia Ogieh*. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done, are doing and will do for me and thousands of your followers. God bless you Daddy. 

“We have planned to launch the 3rd Batch of this Scheme immediately with the establishment of 2 new Training Centres in Oleh to cater for the yearning of people outside Igbide who will partake in the Programme. 

“We therefore appeal for Partnership to drive this project. 

“Let me conclude by appreciating the following persons for their partnership so far. Olorogun Akpotu Ezire, Dr. Oro Etaluku, Samuel Askia Jr., High Chief Lawrence Eduje, Mr. Ajie Louis Dike, Barr. Chief Mrs. Ewomazino Duku, Chief Dennis Aboki, Mrs. Peace Ese Ogum, Opa Williams, Mr. Lucky Anigbere and many others. Special thanks to Uzuazomaro Alex Ugasa National Coordinator and the entire Team for working with me all these years. 

“Thank you for your time and God bless you.”