No fewer than 100 cooperators from Igbuzo and neighbouring communities are set to benefit from a Federal Government-backed empowerment programme facilitated by philanthropist and community leader, Pastor Idowu Okeze, popularly known as Ukpe Igbuzo, in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River.
The empowerment programme is scheduled to hold on Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. Augustine’s College, Igbuzo, with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance, job creation and sustainable economic development among the beneficiaries.
As part of the initiative, beneficiaries are expected to receive various vocational tools and equipment, including generator sets, washing machines, gas cylinders, industrial sewing machines, hair dryers, ovens, cooking pots, standing fans and other essential starter packs to support small-scale businesses and skilled trades.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Empowerment Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, said the items were carefully selected to enable beneficiaries to establish or expand their businesses, increase their sources of income and contribute to the economic development of their communities.
According to him, the programme is designed to provide practical support to trained cooperators and skilled individuals, with the broader objective of promoting financial independence, reducing unemployment and encouraging the emergence of entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
Investigations revealed that the 100 successful beneficiaries were selected from more than 700 applicants who participated in a screening and assessment exercise.
The selection process, according to the organisers, was structured to promote transparency and fairness, with qualified candidates from various vocational fields making the final list.
The beneficiaries were drawn from different trades, including tailoring, hairdressing, dry-cleaning, leatherwork, catering and baking, barbering, electrical installation and maintenance, and make-up artistry.
The screening committee was constituted by Pastor Okeze and chaired by the President-General of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) Worldwide, Chief Victor Uchunor, with the support of other community leaders and stakeholders.
The forthcoming empowerment programme has generated excitement across Igbuzo and neighbouring communities, with residents describing the initiative as a significant intervention that could help reduce unemployment, stimulate small-scale enterprises and improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries and their families.
Community leaders have also commended Pastor Okeze for facilitating the initiative, describing it as a reflection of his commitment to youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and grassroots community development.
Observers believe the programme could have a positive impact on the local economy by creating opportunities for wealth generation, encouraging productive engagement among youths and skilled workers, and strengthening grassroots economic activities.
The initiative also highlights the potential impact of collaboration between community leaders and government institutions in addressing unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth at the grassroots level.
