CHINWE UYAMADU
A critic and public policy analyst, Comrade Uloka Chibuike, has commended the Soludo-led administration for empowering 5,000 youths in Anambra State under the administration’s 1Youth 2Skills programme.
The event, which took place on Friday, 27th October 2023, at the Anambra International Conference Centre in Awka, saw Governor Charles Soludo empower about 5,000 young people, who had successfully completed their apprenticeships in various in-demand entrepreneurial skills, providing a two-billion-naira grant for startup.
In response, Uloka, a persistent critic of the current government, commended Governor Soludo, noting that he has finally achieved something worthwhile after nearly 19 months in office.
Uloka attributed the success of this empowerment to the efforts of opposition members, who had recently criticized the Governor for his underwhelming performance during his first two years in office.
He emphasized that such gestures underscore the vital role of criticism in maintaining liberty within a democratic system.
“The Soludo regime’s action to empower 5,000 youths to combat the high poverty levels in the state and address the increase in crime and youth unrest highlights that a democracy without opposition can be perilous for society, as criticism is essential for effective and accountable governance.”
“This is one area where the current government has excelled, and as members of the opposition, we will continue to applaud the government when necessary and, at the same time, demand accountability and the fulfillment of various campaign promises.”
Uloka pointed out that the expectations of the people remain high, and the empowerment of 5,000 youths is just one of potentially hundreds of impacts that the people are waiting to see from the Soludo administration before it reaches its two-year mark in office.
“The idea of training and empowering our youth through the 1Youth 2Skills initiative to become wealth creators rather than job seekers aligns with our call for the Soludo regime to take a different approach and inspire hope. Mere eloquence and vocal charisma are not sufficient.”
While the grants provided may seem too little due to the current high exchange rates and other economic complexities affecting businesses in the country, Uloka recommended that the successful beneficiaries should be granted tax exemptions for at least five years to prevent them from falling back into poverty and failing to make the most of the opportunity. The Soludo tax regime is widely recognized as oppressive and unfriendly to small and medium-sized enterprises. Hence, the two-billion-naira grant for 5,000 beneficiaries, which amounts to 400,000 naira each, should not become a gift that the government reclaims through excessive taxation.
Uloka concluded by urging Governor Soludo to remain focused and not let the excitement of this empowerment distract him from addressing the pressing needs of the people. He emphasized that the opposition would act as a guiding force, encouraging the government to fulfill promises and deliver on their responsibilities.
Uloka extended his compliments to the Governor and offered congratulations to the 5,000 recipients, expressing anticipation for the positive effects that will be seen as a result of the empowerment programme.