The Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication, in partnership with the Custos Care Foundation (CCF) and the Office of the First Lady, has launched a 10-day skill acquisition training aimed at empowering victims of herdsmen attacks with practical expertise in food packaging for the local and regional markets.

 

The programme, hosted in Ihenyi-Agarama, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, was officially flagged off by the Honourable Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, Professor Benedette Ekwutosi Okoli, on Tuesday.

 

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 initiative as a lifeline designed to restore confidence, dignity, and economic self-reliance to survivors of violent attacks.

 

“This programme is not just about skills; it is about hope, healing, and empowerment,” Mrs. Mbah’s message read. “By mastering food branding, preservation, marketing, safety standards, and small business management, you will be ready to compete in both local and regional markets. This is your pathway to regaining independence.”

 

The First Lady praised the participants’ resilience and encouraged them to commit fully to the training. She reaffirmed her office’s dedication to equipping vulnerable citizens with tools for rebuilding their lives, stressing that the Custos Care Foundation’s work goes beyond charity to building lasting capacity.

 

Building Beyond Relief

In her address, Professor Okoli explained that the initiative’s focus extended beyond immediate aid to creating sustainable livelihoods.

 

“We are here to provide you with skills that will help you produce high-quality packaged foods that can compete locally and internationally,” she said. “This is a message of hope from His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, who is committed to the prosperity of Ndi-Enugu.”

 

She also expressed deep gratitude to the Custos Care Foundation for making the programme possible and applauded the Governor for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of rural communities.

 

Custos Care Foundation’s Mission

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Comrade Egodi Blessing Igwe, Managing Director of CCF, outlined its broader mission of empowering and protecting vulnerable groups.

 

“Our work covers health support, safe delivery for pregnant women, health insurance for those in need, and advocacy against abuse of women and children,” she said. “We urge you to take these skills seriously, apply them in your businesses, and speak up when your communities need intervention.”

 

Community Gratitude

The event drew heartfelt messages from local leaders. Chief David Uche Egbogu, Palace Secretary of Ihenyi-Agarama Autonomous Community, thanked the government and partners for choosing their town as a beneficiary. Rev. Canon Ikenna Mmije, Parish Priest of Ihenyi-Agarama Anglican Church, commended the First Lady and Commissioner for their commitment to service and urged residents to support leaders with a vision for the people.

 

A Beneficiary’s Voice

On behalf of participants, Mrs. Patricia Odo Chineyenwa expressed appreciation to the State Government for what she described as a “life-changing opportunity” for her community.

 

Dignitaries in Attendance

Other notable attendees included:

• Comrade Richard Ogenyi, Executive Director of 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

 

Training Venues

The 10-day sessions are ongoing at the Ihenyi-Agarama Town Hall-Civic Center and Abo-Isiala/Mgbuji, focusing on practical lessons in product branding, hygienic preservation, packaging standards, marketing strategies, and value-added food processing.

 

A New Chapter of Hope

For the victims of herdsmen attacks in Isi-Uzo, this initiative represents more than just training, it is a bridge from survival to success. By equipping them with marketable skills, the Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication and the Custos Care Foundation, is rewriting the story of resilience, dignity, and self-reliance in the region.