Governor Hope Uzodimma has empowered 10,000 Imo State artisans with skills and start-up kits, a rare Christmas gift cum New Year gift to equip them for economic independence and prosperity.
Addressing the graduands and others who graced the event at Ndubuisi Kanu Square, New Owerri on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Governor highlighted the importance of the Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme in human capital development, and commended the lucky ones for benefitting from the initiative.
“You are among the first set of people to cross the finishing line to the economic breakthrough that will start next year,” he stated.
The Governor emphasised that the programme aims to address the severe shortage of competent local artisans in Nigeria, particularly in the construction sector, where foreign workers have been dominating.
Governor Uzodimma revealed that the 10,000 artisans who benefited from the initiative, which include training in various trades are: tilers, bakers, shoe makers, carpenters, welders, food processers, mechanics, vulcanizers, fashion designers, make-up artists, electricians, plumbers and others.
He stressed the need for local artisans to compete effectively, saying, “The goal is not simply to displace our neighbors, but to establish a standard of excellence so high that you become the undisputed first choice for every client and developer.”
Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to discuss the broader economic strategy he presented to the House of Assembly, which is designed to stimulate growth in multiple sectors starting January 2026.
He called for a focus on quality and competitiveness, urging the graduands to make the most of their training and newly acquired tools.
“This is the best Christmas, a New Year gift you can get for yourselves,” he remarked, encouraging them to add value to the state’s economy.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu supported by his wife, Oluremi, and reinforced his administration’s commitment to ongoing economic empowerment efforts.
In his address earlier, the Hon. Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs/Disaster Management and Social Development, Chief Kenneth Okafor, disclosed that the empowerment programme is aimed at uplifting over 10,000 artisans across various trades, and that the initiative was designed to enhance livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
The Commissioner expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s visionary leadership in prioritising human capital development, saying, “the programme focuses on providing not just tools and equipment, but also unlocking opportunities and fostering individual potential.”
Okafor urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the tools and resources provided, emphasising that the instruments represent gateways to financial independence and community advancement. He pointed out that the programme aligns with a broader vision for unifying efforts and fostering collective growth in Imo State.
He further stated that the initiative promises to enhance resilience and prosperity, reaffirming a shared commitment to a brighter future for all residents of the State.
The SA to the Governor on Artisans, Hon. Ethelbert Ukonu highlighted the significance of the skill-up artisans initiative, pointing that the ongoing efforts is aimed at enhancing the economy of the State.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Caleb Akunna an Electrician from Orlu Local Government Area thanked the Governor for the opportunity provided to them and reassured him that they will put in practice all the knowledge they have acquired in the course of their training, and promised not to disappoint the expectations of the Governor and Imo people in general.
Highpoints of the event was the symbolic presentation of the kits to beneficiaries by the Governor.
Present at the event were: the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the former Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council, among other critical stakeholders in the State.
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