REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO
The Executive Chairman of Enugu-East Local Government Area, Enugu State, Pastor Beloved-Dan Obi-Anike, has signed into law the amended Human Capital Development Bye-Law.
The law marks a significant step toward advancing girl-child education, promoting skill acquisition, empowering women, and addressing youth restiveness in the area.
Under the new legislation, one billion naira from the council’s annual allocation and internally generated revenue will be committed to a Human Capital Development Trust Fund. Thirty percent of the fund is specifically earmarked for a Women Endowment Fund, translating to a projected investment of ten billion naira over ten years.
The initiative also aims to produce one thousand professionals across various fields within the next decade, positioning residents of the local government area for greater global competitiveness.
Speaking at the well-attended signing ceremony, which attracted traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and women associations, Pastor Obi-Anike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development through education and skills acquisition.
He said the council is focused on redirecting the energy of young people toward productive ventures as a strategy to combat poverty and reduce involvement in crime and social vices, including touting, locally referred to as “Ogbanecheagu.”
The chairman further explained that the Trust Fund would support bursaries, skill acquisition programmes, and a revolving loan scheme designed to empower women cooperatives, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, while also promoting girl-child education.
In separate keynote addresses, representatives of the clergy, traditional institutions, academia, and the Nigerian Council of Women Societies commended the chairman’s sincerity and commitment to tackling entrenched poverty and educational challenges in the largely underserved area.
They highlighted key achievements of the current administration, including the payment of WAEC fees for 1,700 students in public secondary schools, free healthcare services for the elderly and indigent, as well as scholarships for undergraduates in universities and an aviation school in Lagos.
