Delta State Government Begins 2017/2018 STEP & YAGEP, Introduces Brown STEP

The Delta State Government has commenced the third cycle of its job creation programme with an orientation course for the first batch of beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries are undergoing a week training programme in Orientation and Personal Effectiveness Training (OPET) and Entrepreneurship and Business Management Training (EBMT) at Songhai Delta, Amukpe. 

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, congratulated them for their success in the extended screening, interview, proficiency test and pre-orientation briefing conducted for them, saying there were selected based on merit.

Pro Eboh explained that this first set of 220 beneficiaries are tagged, “Brown STEP” as candidates who have learnt skills through personal sponsorship, but require assistance to be established in their various areas of vocational skills. 

He added that they will be posted to various training centres for a one month refresher course before establishment in line with the prosperity vision of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to make them self-employed and employers of labour.

He disclosed that the second set tagged, ”Green STEP” comprising fresh candidates who want to learn skills and be established through the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) will undergo orientation course on a later date along with beneficiaries for the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP).

He said the OPET and EBMT are to teach them the right orientation, mind-set change, personal effectiveness and business management so as to prepare them to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.

While tasking them to ensure diligence, discipline and punctuality throughout the programme, he reaffirmed that their success is the state government’s success and that the government’s success is measured by their level of success. 

He informed them that on establishment with starter pack, they will be handed over to the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring to help them sustain and grow their enterprises.

He stressed that the state government’s STEP and YAGEP have established 2,324 youths in its first and second cycles, emphasizing that the 2017/2018 programme cycle would include the Brown STEP, Green STEP and YAGEP.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Roseline Aphia, in Fashion Design and Tailoring ((Oshimili South) and Prince Esierie in Decoration and Event Management (Ethiope East) expressed their gratitude to the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the job creation scheme and the transparency in the selection process, pledging to put in their best to become successful entrepreneurs and business managers.

The topics entitled, “Government Employment & Personal Responsibility Disposition” and “How to Cope Well with Business Risk and Challenges” were delivered by the Principal Partner of Chavan Associates, Mr Charles Dafe and the Chief Executive Officer of Nuella Clinton Farms, Miss Emmanuella Clinton respectively. 

Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh

Communication Officer