[color=#000099][/color]
A young entrepreneur and founder of SmileWeCare International , also C.E.O YankyMedia Studio Mr. Inyang James(YankyMedia), has organized skill acquisition training for more than 500 youths in Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

The two weeks free capacity building programme which started on August 24, 2020 and ended on Thursday, September 3, trained the participants in various skills acquisition such as cosmetology, beads-making, paint production, make-up, gele craft, catering, business/digital branding, media, photography and drone operations.

Finished products made by the trainees were showcased at the Nsit Ubium council hall in Ikot Edibon where participants gathered for the graduation ceremony and more than 30 best participants got Empowerment startups ranging from #50,000 - #10,000

Speaking at the close of the training session, Comrade James said the exercise became important due to economic realities of the day and the need to explore other skills for diversifying the economy and reducing unemployment in Nsit Ubium local government area and Akwa Ibom stage at large.

He said the motivation to train youths from his home local government was drawn from his entrepreneurship experiences, adding that private businesses also aid in reducing crime rate in the society.

Comrade James disclosed that his target was to make the Nsit Ubium youths self-reliant and employers of labour rather than job seekers, noting that many successful men and women all over the world had their roots in small-scale businesses even as he urged them to take advantage of the exercise and equip themselves financially.

"During this skill acquisition, we have trained empowered more than 500 youths in this Local Government Area. We are aware that entrepreneurship reduces crime in the society and Governor Udom Emmanuel is already doing his part to alleviate poverty in the state by establishing industries and other projects.

"We have so many unemployed graduates in the society because of inadequacy of jobs. The essence of this project is to motivate youths into becoming employers of labour through an acquired skill.

"But with partnership from other successful entrepreneurs and the state government, we can impact more lives in the state and the nation at large, he said.

Also Speaking, the chairman of the local Government represented Hon.(Dr) Udemeobong Sylvanus, represented by Mr Obot Henry Ekot, applauded the organizer for empowering youths in his community, saying that when youths are meaningfully engaged, the local government would also be empowered.

Mr Ekot said such kind gesture by Inyang James should serve as an encouragement to other wealthier people who would be willing to be of service to humanity.

He pointed out that participants at the programme cut across the 10 wards and two clans of Nsit Ubuim local government, including some members of the public.

According to Ekot, "The whole of this project is one hundred percent financed by Inyang James and there is need for a good collaboration between the state government and individuals to support the company resourcefully so that more youths can be empowered."

He urged beneficiaries to take the advantage of the programme and equip themselves against the economic realities caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and dwindling oil revenues in the country.

Guests at the occasion include the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmnuel on public affairs, Barr. Morgan Ekanem; his counterparts on project monitoring, Hon. Moses Umoren, Hon. Victor Brown,Dr Aniedi Udom ,Deputy Rector Heritage Polytechnic, Comrade Inyang James and the wife of the sponsor, Mrs Mercy James (Yanky Media ).

Others are Hon Pst Anne Abraham, Miss Aniebiet Francis, Mrs Friday James, and the reigning Miss Nsit Ubium, Queen Christy Ukeme.