3,450 benefit from grassroots initiative

The National Coordinator of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Princess Gloria Akobundu, has said that over 3,450 women and youths in have benefited from the federal government’s Grassroots Support Initiative in Imo State.

Akobundu, who disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of 450 women and youths trained in various skills at St. Ita’s Catholic Church, Ibeme-Ugiri Isiala Mbano, said the 450 graduands were drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state, adding that 3,000 had already graduated and empowered in the past.

According to her, the aim of the programme is to make them self-reliant through skills acquisition and discourage youths from engaging in deviant behaviours.

The one -day programme which was in collaboration with Africa Peer Review Mechanism and other partners had the theme:, “Fighting Poverty, Discouraging Migration and Promoting Self Sufficiency.”

The traditional rulers of Ihim Community, Eze Oliver Ohanwe commended the government and NEPAD for the initiative.

Oyetola signs 2019 budget

Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, has signed the 2019 budget of N154.4bn. The recurrent expenditure is N61.3bn while the capital expenditure is N93bn. The governor laid the budget estimate before the lawmakers on December 27, 2018.