The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has disclosed that his administration has empowered more than 36,000 youths across the state with various skills, stressing that young people remain the greatest asset of any society.
Soludo said his government, guided by Anambra Vision 2070, is intentionally building a prosperous, inclusive, and smart society where youths are equipped to thrive and contribute meaningfully to development.
The governor made this known on Friday during the swearing-in and opening ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps orientation programme held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Nnamdi Azikiwe Unity Camp, Mbaukwu/Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha-Mba, Soludo urged corps members posted to the state to avoid being passive observers and instead immerse themselves fully in the Anambra experience to learn, create, collaborate, and contribute to the state’s growth.
“Guided by Anambra Vision 2070, we are deliberately building a prosperous, inclusive and smart society where young people are empowered to thrive,” the governor said.
He explained that through initiatives such as the Solution Innovation District, Code Anambra, One Youth Two Skills Plus, and targeted agribusiness and entrepreneurship schemes, the state continues to create opportunities for skills acquisition, innovation, and wealth creation.
According to him, over 36,000 youths have already been empowered with digital skills, while the ongoing One Million Anambra Digital Tribe initiative aims to equip one million Anambra youths with relevant digital competencies.
Soludo further disclosed that his administration has empowered 13,300 youths with skills and grants totalling N5.5 billion for business start-up and expansion under the first and second phases of the One Youth Two Skills Plus programme.
The governor urged corps members to internalise the values instilled during the orientation exercise, noting that discipline, responsibility, and commitment would shape their effectiveness during the service year and beyond.
He reassured them of his administration’s commitment to the continuous improvement of camp facilities to ensure a safe, serene, and enabling environment, while also advising them to respect local cultures, promote peace, and avoid harmful behaviour.
“Many before you have acquired digital skills, accessed grants, started businesses through these youth empowerment programmes and even chosen Anambra as their long-term home,” he said, encouraging corps members to fully participate in available opportunities.
Soludo also commended the leadership of the NYSC at both national and state levels for their dedication and professionalism, noting that Anambra State values its partnership with the scheme, particularly in grassroots development, public enlightenment, electoral support, health interventions, and youth mentoring.
Earlier, the Anambra State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, revealed that a total of 1,500 prospective corps members, comprising 616 males and 884 females, successfully registered for the orientation exercise.
Ojisua urged the corps members to obey all extant laws, NYSC regulations, and security directives, and to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of their families, institutions, and the nation.
She noted that military drills, physical training, sporting activities, and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme would enhance their physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and self-reliance beyond the service year.
