By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Ibusa community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State was a hub of empowerment and renewed hope on Monday, December 29, 2025, as no fewer than 1,000 youths benefited from a one-day Capacity Building and Skill Development programme facilitated by Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze, in partnership with the Federal Cooperative College (FCC), Oji River, Enugu State through Federal government of Nigeria.
The programme, held at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Cooperative Development Centre, Ibusa, focused on high-yield tuber crops, cooperative clusters, entrepreneurship development and financial empowerment. Participants drawn from Umueze-Ibusa and other communities across Oshimili North included artisans, traders, farmers, unemployed graduates and small business owners.
The intensive training exposed beneficiaries to modern agricultural practices, cooperative management, leadership development, business expansion strategies and access to cooperative-based financing. At the end of the exercise, participants received cash grants to support start-ups and expand existing businesses, a gesture widely described as timely and impactful amid prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Idowu Okeze reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development, noting that investing in human capital remains one of the most effective ways to combat unemployment, poverty and social vices.
According to him, the training aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of strengthening cooperative societies through continuous training, retraining and support, enabling them to become major employers of labour and contributors to food security.
“The aim of this programme is to unearth and nurture the hidden potentials of our youths. With the right knowledge, skills and support, our people can grow their businesses beyond sole proprietorship and become employers of labour,” Pastor Okeze said.
He explained that the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River—an institution with over 40 years of experience—offers courses in cooperative economics and management, banking and finance, business administration, computer science and related disciplines, adding that the college is gradually transitioning from a monotechnic to a degree-awarding institution.
Participants listened attentively to resource persons as they dissected topical issues on cooperative value chains, profit-making strategies, business sustainability and expansion. Many described the sessions as eye-opening and life-changing.
Commending the initiative, the Honourable member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Esenwah, said Pastor Okeze has consistently attracted impactful projects to the constituency, including solar water schemes, solar streetlights, road construction, school renovations, empowerment programmes, and monthly stipends for widows.
“The way these entrepreneurship programmes have been received across Delta North shows that Pastor Okeze understands the needs of the people, especially the youths who are eager for opportunities,” Esenwah said, urging beneficiaries to take full advantage of the training.
Several participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Mrs. Doris Okafor, a farmer, described the training as timely, saying it exposed her to new cooperative and business techniques that would positively impact her enterprise. Similarly, Ms. Kanayo Amaka, a teacher from Umueze community, said the programme had broadened her understanding of capital generation through cooperative societies and online marketing.
Another beneficiary, Kikachukwu Osadebe, a graduate and job seeker, said the training boosted his morale and equipped him with practical knowledge to sustain and grow his business.
In recognition of his contributions to grassroots development, Pastor Idowu Okeze was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition by the West African Initiatives for Leadership, Peace and Development for his consistent impact on lives at the community level.
In his closing remarks, Pastor Okeze congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to apply the knowledge acquired judiciously, cautioning against misuse of the cash grants. He also encouraged them to train others, maintain contact with their facilitators, and use their new skills to positively impact society.
The capacity-building and empowerment workshop was attended by notable dignitaries, including Chief Victor Uchuno, President of ICDU Worldwide; Hon. Frank Esenwah; Mr. Biggi Okonkwo; Hon. Henry Mordi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters; Hon. Onyesis Okeze, among others.
The FCC training and cash grant programme further reinforces Pastor Idowu Okeze’s reputation as a strong advocate of youth empowerment and sustainable human capital development in Delta State.