The Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Iyom Amaka Obi, has commended the remarkable progress recorded by beneficiaries of the council’s 2024 and 2025 Skills Acquisition Programme, describing their growth as a strong indication of the impact of targeted human capital development. Mayor Obi stated this on August 11 during an unscheduled inspection of beneficiaries at their various workplaces, where she assessed the practical impact of the empowerment initiative and interacted directly with young entrepreneurs across the council area. The Mayor, accompanied by members of her team, said the inspection was designed to obtain first-hand information on the beneficiaries’ businesses, identify areas requiring further support and encourage them to remain focused on building sustainable enterprises. She described the first and second phases of the programme as successful, noting that the initiative had moved beyond basic skills acquisition to the establishment and expansion of viable businesses across Idemili South. According to her, continuous monitoring, mentorship and support are essential to ensuring that beneficiaries translate vocational skills into sustainable businesses capable of surviving and competing effectively in the marketplace. Mayor Obi said beneficiaries were making impressive strides in areas including baking, leatherwork, tailoring, arts and crafts, among others. She noted that the council could now proudly showcase locally made products under the emerging “Made-in-Idemili South” brand, with beneficiaries producing bags, shoes and other products with the potential to compete beyond the local market. The Mayor further disclosed that some beneficiaries had expanded their businesses and begun employing other residents, while others had achieved greater financial independence as a result of the opportunities provided through the programme. She said the testimonies and transformations witnessed during the inspection had reinforced her administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development. Mayor Obi stressed that deliberate investment in skills development was critical to making residents productive, self-reliant and economically empowered, adding that equipping young people with relevant skills would also position them to compete favourably in both local and international markets. She commended the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for the 1 Youth 2 Skills Programme, which she said had empowered thousands of young people across the state. The Mayor said Idemili South was proud to complement the state government’s efforts through its own grassroots-focused empowerment initiatives. She noted that the council’s investment in human capital was already yielding tangible results through the creation of businesses, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods. Mayor Obi reaffirmed her administration’s determination to sustain programmes that empower residents and promote economic independence, saying the ultimate goal was to build a more productive, entrepreneurial and economically resilient Idemili South.