ENUGU EAST LG BOSS LAUNCHES HUMAN CAPITAL DEVPT PROG, PAYS WAEC FEES OF 1,700 STUDENTS

REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO

As state governments in the South East of Nigeria grapple with surging crimes, mostly perpetuated by youths, and occasioned by idleness and get rich quick syndrome, the Executive Chairman, Enugu East Local Government Area, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike has initiated a Human Capital Development Programme.

It is aimed at engaging the youth more meaningfully with skills.

The programme also saw the Local Council Chairman paying WAEC fees of final year students in thirteen public secondary  schools in the area.

Inaugurating the programme at the council’s headquarters, Nkwo Nike, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah praised the initiative as a bold step towards preparing youth in the state for global competitiveness and fighting crime.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, equally commended Pastor Anike’s transparent and purposeful leadership, noting that investment in youth education and innovation holds the key to the future and aligns with his development agenda.

Addressing the people, the Enugu East Council Chairman, Pastor Anike explained that his administration handed over cheques to offset WAEC fees of every final year student in thirteen public secondary schools across the Local Government Area to their respective principals.

Pastor Anike explained that in all, the council spent sixty million naira to pay WAEC fees of 1,700 students comprising both indigenes and non-indigenes.

He further revealed that over 1,000 youths were also sponsored in vocational skills to enable them to specialize in different trades and be self reliant.

Some parents and students whose WAEC fees were paid by the council Chairman thanked him for his benevolence, with the students pledging to study hard and make good result to justify the payment.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU