Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has intensified efforts at youth empowerment and job creation in Abia State with the commissioning of a skill acquisition centre and the delivery of community and humanitarian projects across Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Local Government Areas.
A statement signed by Tosin Oluwalowo, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said the December 2025 end-of-year interventions underscore the Minister’s commitment to skills-based development and inclusive governance in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
A major highlight of the activities was the foundation-laying ceremony of the Abia State Skill Acquisition Centre at Uvim community, Isuikwuato L.G.A.
The centre, which will be implemented under the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), will comprise an administrative block and hostel facilities, built to meet uniform national standards for skill acquisition centres.
Speaking at the project site, Onyejeocha said the centre is designed to equip young people with practical and market-relevant skills, improve employability and promote sustainable livelihoods across the state.
Our focus is not just on initiating projects, but on delivering functional centres that empower youths with skills for decent work,” she said, assuring community leaders that the project would be completed within 12 months.
Also speaking at the event, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, Barr. Emeka Okorafor, described the skill acquisition centre as “a massive intervention aimed at giving skills to our people and taking young people off the streets,” noting that Onyejeocha “has always believed that the youth must be taken out of the street.”
The Minister also commissioned and handed over a newly constructed town hall for the Isuikwuato Town Development Union, to serve as a multi-purpose civic centre for community activities and engagements.
Beyond infrastructure and skills development, Onyejeocha also used the period to deepen humanitarian outreach.
As part of her annual Christmas engagements, she hosted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Foundation from Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Federal Constituency at her country home in Ngodo Isuochi, Umunneochi L.G.A.
The Minister further hosted over 1,000 widows and indigent citizens, providing food items, wrappers and cash support.
Reflecting on the series of engagements, Onyejeocha said they reflect her commitment to people-focused leadership and sustainable development.
This is another step in strengthening skills development and job creation, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said. “We are committed to building opportunities that translate into real livelihoods for our people.”
By Michael Oche
