By Chizoba Anthony Akalugo
*Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma*, on Wednesday commissioned a newly built Skill Acquisition Centre in Owerri North LGA, describing it as a critical step toward tackling unemployment and driving economic growth in the state.
The facility, located at Uruatta in Owerri North, was built by Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who represents Imo East Senatorial District, in collaboration with the *National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure ( NASENI*).
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Uzodimma commended both NASENI and Senator Onyewuchi for the project adding that technology and skills development are central to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and can no longer be ignored.
He noted that , _“This is not about giving people fish; it is about teaching them how to fish,”_ he said.
Skill acquisition is a pathway to employment and economic growth. Graduates of this centre must be supported with start-up capital so they can establish businesses and create jobs for others.
Uzodimma also praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritising innovation through NASENI, noting that the agency has consistently supported development efforts in Imo State.
He urged the host community and local authorities to safeguard the facility from vandalism, describing public infrastructure as _“an investment that must be preserved for future generations.”_
In his remarks, Senator Onyewuchi said the centre was conceived as part of his constituency development projects to equip youths with practical, employable skills.
_“Our goal is to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and wealth creation,”.
He stated that he want to reduce dependence and unemployment in Owerri Zone by giving our young people the tools to build businesses.
The Senator, who also chairs the Senate Committee on NASENI, disclosed that beneficiaries who complete training at the centre would receive support to set up *small-scale businesses*, adding that the facility is equipped with *modern technical and vocational equipment* to deliver quality training.
The event drew senior officials from Federal, State and Local Governments, as well as stakeholders from the business community and civil society.
The new Skill Acquisition Centre is expected to complement other empowerment initiatives in Imo East and support the state government’s agenda of expanding IGR through human capital development.
