The Potter’s Will Foundation, TPWF, has partnered with the Council of Student Union Governments, COSEN, Enugu State Chapter, to provide free vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities for student leaders across higher institutions in the state.
The partnership was announced at the maiden COSEN Leadership Conference held at the International Conference Centre of the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu.
The conference, which had the theme, “Leadership Without Borders: Building a Strong Network of Student Leaders in Enugu State,” brought together serving and former Students’ Union Government presidents, student leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, development partners and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of COSEN, Comrade Godsown Odilichukwu Onuzulike, said the initiative was designed to help student leaders acquire practical skills that could complement their academic qualifications and provide additional economic opportunities.
Onuzulike said the partnership with TPWF would take practical vocational training directly to students across higher institutions in the state.
He stressed that student leadership should go beyond campus politics and prepare young people for responsible leadership in government, business, community development and other sectors.
According to him, the initiative will expose students to practical skills that can be acquired within a short period and potentially developed into sustainable sources of income.
He said, “It is a call for student leaders to move beyond the traditional boundaries of campus politics into entrepreneurship, public service, community development, skills acquisition and responsible citizenship.”
The Potter’s Will Foundation is a youth and community-focused organisation involved in vocational training, entrepreneurship development and empowerment programmes across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, represented by Hon. Edeani M. Edeani, urged student leaders to see themselves as future policymakers, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders and nation-builders.
A member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, representing Ezeagu Constituency, Hon. Chima Obieze, also emphasised the importance of responsible leadership, service and commitment to community development.
The conference further featured a panel discussion on entrepreneurship, personal development, drug abuse and youth leadership.
The Chief Executive Officer of Auto Ease, Mr. Obi Okeke, spoke on entrepreneurship and the need for young people to acquire skills capable of translating into economic opportunities.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, was also represented at the event, with discussions focusing on drug abuse among young people and the role of student leaders in promoting safer and healthier campus environments.
Other stakeholders at the conference included the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, Hon. Prisca Okeke Gbamilar; NANS JCC Chairman, Enugu State, Comrade Kelvin Okeke; Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency, Hon. Monday Diamond; and other government officials, student leaders and youth development advocates.
The conference also featured awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to student development, youth empowerment, leadership and community service.
Among those recognised were the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia; Obi Okeke; Hon. Mark Onuoha; Comrade Kelvin Okeke; Hon. Prisca Okeke Gbamilar and other recipients.
The organisers said the conference was aimed at building a stronger network among student leaders and encouraging them to translate their leadership experience into meaningful contributions to society beyond their university campuses.
