Anambra State Govt Commences Implementation of New Umuboi Entrepreneurship/Empowerment Model

Anambra State Govt Commences Implementation of New Umuboi Entrepreneurship/Empowerment Model

The Anambra State Government, under the capable leadership of Professor Charles Soludo CFR, has approved the motion for implementing a new Igbo Entrepreneurship Programme known as the 'Umuboi Entrepreneurship Model' in the State.

This development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, while outlining the rules of engagement between the Anambra State Government and MCEF Afri-Innovate, the technical partners engaged for implementing the new Entrepreneurship Model for Umuboi, yesterday, July 18, 2024.

Governor Soludo approved the initiative in response to the urgent need to ensure that all apprentices (Umuboi), both within and outside the country, can participate in the 1Youth2Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme within their localities.

The Governor also approved the provision of Talking Books to all Umuboi selected for the 1Youth2Skills Business Financing Scheme.

In his statement, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba said that the technical partner, MCEF, is required to create audio and video versions of the Entrepreneurship Scheme Course Content, which has already been developed by UNIZIK Business School.

The Commissioner revealed that MCEF is also required to programme all 42 courses in the 1Youth2Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme into the Talking Book and provide Edubot and Teca Apps.

He further demanded that all products come with a warranty to ensure the sustainability of the partnership while emphasizing that the technical partner must also abide by the ICT policy of the Anambra State Government through the Anambra State ICT Agency (ANSICTA).

"The objective of the new Umuboi Entrepreneurship Model is to ensure that the Umuboi participate in the 1Youth2Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme without leaving their master's shop. Umuboi can also link up to the 1Youth2Skills Online Entrepreneurship Academy for courses and presentations from renowned entrepreneurs, including the state governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who has graciously volunteered to deliver some of the Entrepreneurship Courses," Hon. Mba stated.

Hon. Patrick Agha Mba thanked the Governor for approving and releasing funds for the new Umuboi Entrepreneurship Model while commending UNIZIK Business School for the tremendous work it is doing in the 1Youth2Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme and the Mentorship Scheme of the programme.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of ANSICTA, represented by Mr. Tochukwu Ebeku, made it clear that MCEF should be ready to host all the services on the Anambra State Server, as Anambra State data cannot be hosted elsewhere as enshrined in the ICT Policy.

Earlier in his presentation, the MD of MCEF Afri-Innovate, Mr. Ifeanyi Muojaieje, explained the workings of the Talking Book, stating that MCEF will program the course content in a way that Umuboi can learn the courses in both English and Igbo languages respectively.

The new Umuboi Entrepreneurship Model of the Soludo Administration, when fully implemented, will mark a significant positive change in the history of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. 

This initiative not only underscores the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo but also sends a clear message to the nation about Anambra State's commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable development.