Students from government owned secondary schools in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State have impressed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo with their practical skills after producing a complete native outfit and a pair of shoes during a project commissioning ceremony.
The students showcased their skills when Soludo, who was commissioning projects executed by the Ekwusigo Local Government administration, visited one of the schools participating in the council’s skills-acquisition programme.
According to the Chairman of Ekwusigo LGA, Hon. Chikezie James Obi, the council administration introduced tailoring and shoemaking into the curriculum of government owned schools as part of its efforts to equip students with practical skills.
During the Governor’s interaction with the students, seven of them approached him to take his measurements for clothes and shoes.
Soludo accepted the students’ request, but was reportedly surprised when they subsequently presented him with a completed native outfit made from Aba fabric and a pair of shoes while the programme was still underway.
The students also produced a gown for the Anambra State First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo.
Reacting to the demonstration, Governor Soludo said the initiative aligned with his administration’s vision of a “New Anambra,” where students would graduate with both academic qualifications and practical skills that could support their future careers and livelihoods.
The Governor subsequently promised to support the students in gaining admission into universities to pursue engineering courses of their choice.
Soludo also announced that the six government-owned schools participating in the skills-acquisition programme had been designated as schools of special interest to the state government.
The Governor commended the Ekwusigo Local Government administration for implementing the skills programme and encouraged other local government chairmen in the state to pursue similar initiatives.
As part of his support for the students, Soludo awarded ₦500,000 each to the seven students, amounting to ₦3.5 million.
In addition, each of the six participating government-owned schools received ₦5 million, bringing the total support to the schools to ₦30 million.
The combined financial support to the students and schools therefore amounted to ₦33.5 million.
The development formed part of projects commissioned by Governor Soludo in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, which the council chairman said were executed in line with the administration’s six point agenda.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
