By: Ike Philip Abiagom
IGBUZO, DELTA STATE – Renowned philanthropist and community development advocate, Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze, Founder of Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development in Igbuzo Kingdom through a comprehensive skills acquisition and empowerment programme designed to equip young people with the tools needed for economic self-reliance.
For years, Pastor Okeze has remained at the forefront of community development, touching lives through numerous interventions in education, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, infrastructure, and social welfare. His latest initiative, which is being implemented in partnership with the Federal CooperativeCollege, Orji River, is aimed at empowering skilled youths who have acquired vocational knowledge but lack the financial resources to establish their own businesses.
As part of the programme, candidates selected for the upcoming empowerment exercise recently underwent practical examinations supervised by officials of the college. Successful participants are expected to receive starter packs and equipment that will enable them to commence business operations immediately after the programme.
Addressing participants, Pastor Okeze emphasized that selection into the programme was not an automatic guarantee of empowerment. According to him, beneficiaries must demonstrate competence and practical knowledge in their chosen trades before qualifying for support. He explained that the examination process was introduced to ensure transparency, merit, and accountability, while also guaranteeing that resources are allocated to individuals who possess the necessary skills to utilize the equipment effectively.
The philanthropist further warned beneficiaries against selling or abandoning the equipment after receiving them, stressing that the objective of the programme is to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce unemployment within the community.
Empowerment is not just about distributing equipment; it is about creating opportunities for self-reliance and ensuring that beneficiaries can build successful businesses that will positively impact their lives and the community, he reportedly told participants.
The hairdressing department, which was divided into two batches due to the large number of applicants, recently completed its practical examinations under the supervision of external assessors and invigilators who evaluated the candidates’ performances.
Observers described the exercise as thorough, transparent, and professional, noting that it has set a new standard for skills-based empowerment programmes in Igbuzo.
Community members believe the initiative will serve as a model for future empowerment programmes, ensuring that only qualified and committed individuals benefit from such interventions. The next phase of the examination is scheduled to hold at the event centre, where candidates in the Makeover and Beauty Department will be assessed on various practical skills, including professional makeup, gele tying, eyelash fixing, nail painting, and nail installation.
Residents have commended the initiative, describing it as another testament to Pastor Okeze’s enduring passion for the growth and development of Igbuzo.
Many stakeholders noted that through his numerous projects, scholarships, youth empowerment programmes, infrastructural interventions, and humanitarian activities, Pastor Okeze has consistently demonstrated an uncommon commitment to improving the welfare of his people.
Several community leaders described him as a visionary leader whose love for Igbuzo is evident in his actions and investments in human capital development.
Pastor Idowu Okeze thinks about Igbuzo, dreams about Igbuzo, and works tirelessly for the progress of Igbuzo. His contributions have touched countless lives and inspired hope among our youths, a community stakeholder remarked.
As preparations continue for the final stages of the empowerment programme, expectations remain high among participants who see the initiative as a life-changing opportunity to become financially independent and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the community.
For many residents, Pastor Okeze’s latest intervention is yet another reminder that sustainable community development begins with investing in people, especially the youth who represent the future of Igbuzo Kingdom.