By Martin Opara 

The United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for Orlu zone, Comrade Precious Nwadike, has assured that his tenure as a senator will turn around the fortunes of Orlu people and make the zone the economic and industrial hub of Africa.

Comrade Nwadike stated this while addressing members of the Student Wing of Orluzurumee Youth Assembly, led by Comrade Ogbonna Collins, when they paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He noted that it is disheartening that up till now, young graduates still depend on and search endlessly for elusive white collar jobs while abandoning more lucrative business ventures that will add value to them as individuals and also impact positively on the society at large.

He regretted that the system of education in the country is still civil service oriented as it was during the Colonial era. “Being mindful of this and in line with my blueprint for Orlu zone, we will redefine skill acquisition and make it attractive to youths, who presently see it as degrading. We have already designed a programme that will ensure that every undergraduate learns a skill in addition to his or her academic qualification”.

The youthful senatorial candidate and human rights activist disclosed that a section of the Technical College for Skill Acquisition Institute (TESAI), which Governor Okorocha has converted to a campus of the Imo State Polytechnic (IMOPOLY) without proper funding will be resuscitated and used as a well-equipped skill acquisition centre. “Our Orlu Project Team” has reached understanding with a reputable Chinese institute that will train our youths in renewable energy. It is a known fact that solar energy is fast dominating the energy sector in most parts of the world. Orlu zone should be at the forefront of such a technological revolution for the benefit of the people”.

Comrade Nwadike disclosed that 12 youths from the 12 LGAs of the zone will be sent to China for training every six months. “These pioneers will on completion of their training, be resource persons who will train others”.

He condemned the idea of buying motorcycles for youths in the guise of empowerment, stressing that his idea of empowerment, aside the aforementioned, includes having an endowment fund that will provide start-off capital for women and young people, to enable them to earn decent living, and contribute meaningfully to the society without the hazards associated with motorcycles, as means of livelihood.

He recalled how, as a skilled undergraduate, he employed graduates who worked in his tailoring shops and outlets, and wondered why young graduates should fold their hands waiting endlessly for unavailable civil service, banking, and other white collar jobs without knowing that most artisans and technicians earn more than bank managers.

He maintained that because there are no companies or employment opportunities, any empowerment exercise that is devoid of skill acquisition is ultimately ineffective and a jamboree, aimed at scoring cheap political points instead of addressing the real issues that will provide long-lasting solutions, enhance societal growth and development.