1 week Ago By Guardian Nigeria
This phenomenal economic gap in human capital in Anambra State was what the government of Anambra State elected herself to bridge through youth empowerment. This highlights the critical intersection of youth empowerment and economic development in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State. With a soaring unemployment rate and the erosion of the middle class due to systemic corruption and financial manipulation, the need for multilayered leadership becomes imperative.
By investing in the potentialof young leaders, entrepreneurs, and scientists, the government could foster innovation and create sustainable job opportunities. This approach not only addresses the immediate unemployment crisis but also helps to build a resilient economy capable of competing in a global landscape. Youth empowerment initiatives, if strategically implemented, could bridge the human capital gap and catalyze growth, ultimately transforming the socio-economic fabric of the region.
The success of these initiatives would depend on collaborative efforts among government, private sector, and community organizations to create an ecosystem that supports and nurtures young talents. In the area of youth development and empowerment, Anambra is pioneering youth training and empowerment, building a very unique model of apprenticeship system.With this, Anambra would be making significant strides in youth development and empowerment through its innovative apprenticeship system.
By focusing on both trade and managerial skills, the government of Anambra state is not only equipping young people with practical abilities but also fostering entrepreneurship.The achievement of having about 13,000 youths successfully complete the programme and become employers themselves is not only impressive but also create a substantial impact on the local economy and community. Anambra State digital training initiatives have over 30, 000 youths receiving training in coding.
Establishing a dedicated Innovation District is to position Anambra as a tech hub akin to a Silicon Valley. The development of the iconic building on the 13 hectares of land certainly serves as a cornerstone for ICT and tech advancement in the region. These efforts, alongside the commitment to uplift vulnerable populations through human capital development, are vital for sustainable economic growth and empowering the youth to thrive in a digital economy.
With the vision to create a “digital tribe”, Professor Soludo’s theoryof breaking the cycle of poverty and criminality in the society is to promote human capital via youth empowerment. “When I was growing up as a young man, the children of the poor and the rich attended the same school. Education was the ladder of opportunity that broke the boundaries and provided opportunities for everyone to leapfrog the horizon of prosperity.
But gradually, our education system descended down, and education no longer played that role. We then began to have two sets of citizens- one set of citizens in private/elite schools where they pay handsomely and the children of the poorest of poor were then left behind in public schools with no teachers, infrastructure or facilities. So, these children predictably ended up with low learning outcomes.
With low learning outcomes, they ended up in the society, poor. And they themselves will also breed children, and their own children will go through the same circle. And so, poverty became a dynasty you can’t escape from.
So, some of them resort to criminality and so on, to escape the ills of poverty and depravation.” This is a nascent liberal ideology for breaking the cycle of poverty through education. By focusing on elevating public education to match or exceed private school standards, the government iscreating equitable opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.
This approach not only empowers underprivileged communities but also promotes social mobility. Ensuring that every child has access to quality education is crucial for fostering a more inclusive society and truly breaking those dynasties of poverty. These efforts to bridge this gap can have a lasting impact on future generations.
“Human capital is Anambra’s greatest asset. And our vision and mission are to create a human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad- to create a new prosperityby investing in the people; the people themselves becoming the embodiment, the assets that will propel and sustain them in the 21st century,”said Prof. Soludo.
Achieving human capital development through youth empowerment in Anambra State seamlessly bordered on several key strategies: 1.Education and Skills Training: Enhance access to quality education and vocational training programmes tailored to market needs. Establish partnerships with industries to ensure training aligns with job opportunities.
2.Entrepreneurship Support: Promote entrepreneurship through mentorship programmes, access to funding, and business development services. Encourage youth to start their own businesses by providing training in business management.
3.Technology and Innovation: Invest in technology hubs and innovation centers to foster creativity and digital skills. Provide resources for young people to develop tech-related skills that are increasingly in demand.
4.Community Engagement: Involve local communities in youth programmes to ensure initiatives address specific needs. Encourage volunteerism and civic engagement among young people to develop leadership skills.
5.Health and Well-being Programs: Implement programs focused on mental health, substance abuse prevention, and general well-being. Healthy youth are more likely to succeed in educational and professional endeavors.
6.Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private sector stakeholders to create job opportunities and internships. Such partnerships can provide practical experience and enhance employability.
7.Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that support youth development, such as funding for education and skills training, as well as protections for young entrepreneurs. 8.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish systems to monitor the effectiveness of youth programmes, making adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement. By combining these strategies, Anambra State is effectivelyempowering its youth, leading to enhanced human capital development. • Prof.
Maduabuchi Dukor is President / Editor-in-Chief of ESSENCE LIBRARY (Cultural and Scientific Development Centre-http://www.essencelibrary.org), Department of Philosophy, UNIZIK.
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