Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa,on Wednesday,inducted 745 beneficiaries of the 3rd Programme Cycle 2017/2018 of the Skills Training & Entrepreneurship Programme [STEP] and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme [YAGEP] with a charge to them to be role models for youths in their communities.

Speaking at the Induction Ceremony in Asaba, Governor Okowa who was flanked by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and other top government functionaries said that the inductees should show commitment, work hard, stay honest and patriotic as their success would spur other youths in the society to acquire entrepreneurial skills.

“I congratulate you on the successful completion of your training programme, you are privileged to be ambassadors of this programme, once you step out, the world look out for what you will become, and do with yourself, you should be an embodiment of the programme in character and deeds.”, he said.

“As a government, I urge you to stay in the realisation that you stand out among youths as many will look up to you, you are a role model to other youths in the society, you have to put in a lot of commitment through hard work and honesty, stay patriotic to yourself and Delta State and you will succeed. Challenges will come but if you stay committed, you will be successful,” the governor added.

While disclosing that the state government would soon embark on the 4thProgramme Cycle of the STEP/YAGEP Programmes, Senator Okowa charged beneficiaries of the programmes to help train other youths in their communities so as to improve their entrepreneurial skills and make them self-employed.

Dr. Okowa called on the private sector to partner with the state government and the beneficiaries on the growth of their various businesses and the empowerment of youths in our society.

Earlier in a welcome address, the state’s Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh said that the 3rdProgramme Cycle 2017/2018 has 745 beneficiaries including 30 persons with Disabilities and their training and starter packs were funded by State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR), a World Bank project.

•Photo byBripin EnarusaishowsGovernor Okowa (6th left) in a snap short with beneficiaries of the State Skills Training & Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) during the Induction ceremony of the 3rd programme cycle 2017/2018, in Asaba.