By: Chuka Nnabuife
Ongoing at the International Convention Centre (ICC) is the graduation ceremony of the Second Cohort of the One Youth, Two Skills Solution’
As Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo entered the expansive ICC hall for the event the over 8,300 young entrepreneurs in the venue were ecstatic in chorus of his praise. Expressions like 'Oluatuegwu', 'Okunyelife', 'Best Governor in Africa' thundered across the audience. The beneficiaries sang, yelled, clapped and hailed as Gov. Soludo reciprocated with his own expression of warmth.
The flagship empowerment initiative, 1Y2SS marks another milestone in the drive to equip youths with skills, finances, entrepreneurship knowledge and mentorship to become successful captains of trade and industry. Through the past two cohorts of the 1Y2SS, 13,500 Anambra young men and women have been taught skills and handed cheques to establish startups . The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) through its Business School, the UNIZIK Business School has partnered with the program to give the youths requisite orientation in entrepreneurship studies.
Launched in October 2022, the scheme adapts the Igbo apprenticeship model to raise captains for modern enterprises. It rests on five pillars: apprenticeship, entrepreneurial training, cooperative formation, business financing and mentorship. The goal is to create at least 1,000 “youth millionaires” annually, while boosting job creation and enterprise development.
The first cohort in 2023 empowered 5,000 youths with N2 billion start-up support with over 1,000 already running thriving ventures. For the 2025 graduation, 8,300 beneficiaries are given business financing and mentoring, backed by ₦3.5 billion recently approved by the State Executive Council.
Organisers emphasise that the scheme is not a political gesture but a structured, short, medium and long-term model for youth empowerment.
With its fusion of tradition and innovation, Anambra is fast emerging as a hub of youth enterprise.
