By Jeff Ndubueze
In a remarkable step toward youth empowerment and community development, General Okwudili Fidelis Azinta, through the instrumentality of The Azinta Foundation, has officially launched the Mgbowo Youth Vocational Skills Acquisition Scheme.
True to his earlier promise to uplift Mgbowo youths through skills-based training, General Azinta welcomed the first batch of 19 trainees to Abuja on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The young men, drawn from across the Mgbowo community, embarked on their journey toward self-reliance with a structured induction that ran from Monday, April 7 to Wednesday, April 9.
The apprentices were formally presented to their benefactor, fondly referred to as The People’s General, in an emotionally charged but hopeful gathering that marked the official kickoff of the initiative Abuja.
Skill Areas Covered in the First Phase Include:
Plumbing – 6 trainees
Welding and Fabrication – 5 trainees
POP and Interior Decoration – 5 trainees
Tiling – 3 trainees
Each group is accommodated in fully furnished apartment, equipped with cooking utensils, food items, and other basic necessities. In addition, each trainee received a monthly stipend of ₦20,000, designed to cater to their personal and weekend needs. Notably, the training agreement covers feeding during work hours.
This landmark initiative seeks to equip Mgbowo youths with practical skills, effectively breaking the cycle of unemployment and reducing vulnerability to crime and social decay. As the adage goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop” and this program boldly confronts that reality with action and foresight.
A Vision to extend Helping Hands.
According to the Azinta Foundation, this is only the beginning. Upon successful completion of their training, each participant will be empowered with a starter pack to launch their trade. Additionally, the program will expand to include trading mentorship for interested youths.
To sustain and scale this initiative, the Foundation will also launch the “Train-a-Youth Scheme”—a community-driven sponsorship model inviting well-meaning Mgbowo indigenes and supporters to take up the cost of training one or more youths.
The goal is simple: the more youths we empower with skills, the fewer will be vulnerable to antisocial influences, and the safer our community will become.
An Invitation to Igwebuike!
Sons and daughters of Mgbowo, both at home and abroad, are encouraged to support this noble cause.
The sustainability of this scheme lies in our collective willingness to invest in the future of our youths, which translates to investing in our security.
Indeed, Ndi Ibenyi, we have never had it this good.
In appreciation, Let us all rise and offer a resounding five-star salute to General Okwudili Fidelis Azinta for his unwavering commitment to the progress of Mgbowo. His vision and generosity continue to shine as a beacon of hope in a time of great need.
Long live Mgbowo Ohaire.
Long live the Azinta Foundation.
Long live the Mgbowo First Philosophy.
Igwebuike!
