…it is about hope, healing, and empowerment for the people of Isi-Uzo, Enugu,” Mrs. Mbah said.
ENUGU, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication,in collaboration with the Custos Care Foundation (CCF) and the Office of the First Lady, has kicked off a 10-day skill acquisition programme designed to empower victims of herdsmen attacks with practical knowledge in food packaging for both local and regional markets.
The training, which commenced in Ihenyi-Agarama, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, was officially declared open on Tuesday by the Honourable Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, Professor Benedette Ekwutosi Okoli.
Representing Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah – First Lady of Enugu State and founder of the Custos Care Foundation – Barr. Chidimma Egonu, Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Special Duties, described the programme as a lifeline aimed at restoring confidence, dignity, and economic independence to survivors of violent attacks.
“This programme is more than just acquiring skills; it is about hope, healing, and empowerment,” Mrs. Mbah said in her goodwill message. “By mastering food branding, preservation, marketing, safety standards, and small business management, you will be equipped to compete in both local and regional markets. This is your pathway to regaining independence.”
She commended the participants for their resilience and urged them to fully commit to the training. Mrs. Mbah also reiterated her office’s resolve to provide vulnerable citizens with tools to rebuild their lives, noting that the Custos Care Foundation’s mission extends beyond charity to sustainable capacity building.
In her remarks, Professor Okoli stressed that the initiative is focused on creating long-term livelihoods rather than providing short-term relief.
“We are here to equip you with the skills to produce high-quality packaged foods that can compete both locally and internationally,” she said. “This reflects Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to the prosperity of Ndi-Enugu.”
She also expressed appreciation to the Custos Care Foundation for its role in making the programme a reality and lauded the Enugu State Governor for his dedication to uplifting rural communities.
Speaking on behalf of CCF, Comrade Egodi Blessing Igwe, Managing Director of the Foundation, highlighted its wider mission of empowering and protecting vulnerable groups.
“Our work covers health interventions, safe delivery support for pregnant women, health insurance for the needy, and advocacy against abuse of women and children,” she explained. “We encourage you to apply these skills in your businesses and speak up when your communities require assistance.”
The event attracted heartfelt appreciation from community leaders. Chief David Uche Egbogu, Palace Secretary of Ihenyi-Agarama Autonomous Community, thanked the government and partners for selecting their town. Similarly, Rev. Canon Ikenna Mmije, Parish Priest of Ihenyi-Agarama Anglican Church, commended the First Lady and Commissioner for their dedication and urged residents to support visionary leadership.
A participant, Mrs. Patricia Odo Chineyenwa, speaking on behalf of trainees, described the programme as a “life-changing opportunity” for her community.
Among the notable attendees were:
Comrade Richard Ogenyi, Executive Director, Rural Enlightenment and Gender Empowerment Network, Eha-Amufu
Hon. David Esther Ede, Supervisor for Female, Isi-Uzo LGA
Mr. Ignatius Ebe, Representative of Ihenyi PG
Princess Melody Ogechi Odoabuchi, daughter of the late Igwe Odoabuchi
Nnamani Blessing, HOD Inter-Ministerial and Liaison Department
Princess Vivian Agbo-Anike, Acquisition Trainer
The 10-day training sessions are being held at the Ihenyi-Agarama Town Hall-Civic Centre and Abo-Isiala/Mgbuji, with participants receiving hands-on lessons in product branding, hygienic preservation, packaging standards, marketing strategies, and value-added food processing.
For the victims of herdsmen attacks in Isi-Uzo, this initiative is more than a training exercise, it is a gateway to self-reliance. By equipping them with competitive, market-ready skills, the Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication and the Custos Care Foundation, is reshaping narratives of resilience, dignity, and economic empowerment in the region.
