The Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Hon. Akuro Tobin, has empowered 500 residents with business grants and vocational training under the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP), a human capital development initiative aimed at improving livelihoods across the council.
The programme, held at the Okrika Council Secretariat, saw the chairman present a symbolic cheque of ₦105 million for the implementation of the empowerment scheme.
Under the initiative, 400 beneficiaries, including traders, fishermen, market men and women, received grants of ₦150,000 each to support and expand their businesses.
Another 100 beneficiaries were selected for vocational training in different skills, including industrial welding and scaffolding, fashion designing, beauty therapy, hair and wig making, among others.
Hon. Tobin said the training would last between three and four months and would be handled by experienced professionals in their respective fields.
He assured the beneficiaries that the council would provide all materials and equipment required for the training to ensure they acquire practical knowledge and skills.
The chairman added that beneficiaries who distinguished themselves during the programme would receive starter packs to enable them establish their businesses upon completion of the training.
He urged participants to take the opportunity seriously, stressing that the programme was designed to improve not only their personal livelihoods but also the economic fortunes of their families and the Okrika community.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Opibi, represented by Dr. Chris Biriowu, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical investment in human capital that would create self-reliance and encourage beneficiaries to become employers of labour.
