Nkanu East Targets 1,000 Youths for iDICE Skill-to-Job Programme

…Sets October 26 deadline for registration

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The Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has commenced mobilisation for the registration of at least 1,000 youths across its wards for the iDICE Skill-to-Job Programme, an initiative designed to equip young people with relevant skills and improve their access to employment opportunities.

The exercise, being coordinated under the leadership of the council chairman, Hon. Engr. Mike Chikosolu Ogbuekwe, is aimed at ensuring that eligible youths across the local government area benefit from the training opportunities available under the programme.

In a public announcement signed by the Secretary of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Rev. Felix Okoye, the council called on ward representatives, community leaders, and youth and women’s groups to intensify mobilisation efforts to ensure broad participation.

The registration deadline is Monday, October 26, 2026.

The iDICE Skill-to-Job Programme, approved by the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Mbah, is designed to provide 20,000 free training opportunities for youths across the state.

The initiative is being implemented by the Enugu MSME and Startup Agency, also known as the Enugu SME Center, in partnership with Del-York Group, under the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative through the Bank of Industry.

According to the announcement, the programme offers fully funded and certified training in technology, creative skills and entrepreneurship, with participants expected to benefit from industry-led instruction, connections with employers and job-placement support.

The initiative also provides for the inclusion of women, who account for 50 per cent of the available training opportunities, while persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to participate.

To achieve its immediate target, the council is seeking to compile the details of at least 1,000 interested and eligible applicants, with representation from every ward in Nkanu East.

Applicants are required to provide their first and last names, gender, disability status, National Identification Number (NIN), email address, preferred training track, date of birth, local government area and ward.

Interested and eligible youths have been directed to submit their details via WhatsApp to 08117881675 on or before the stipulated deadline.

The council urged community stakeholders and mobilisation groups to work together to ensure that qualified young people are informed about the opportunity and supported through the registration process.

The programme is expected to expand access to practical skills development, strengthen employability and create pathways to sustainable livelihoods for participating youths.

The council reiterated the importance of reaching young people across all wards, stressing the need for an inclusive mobilisation exercise that leaves no eligible group behind.Editorial note: The report is structured in a Vanguard-style news format, with a headline, subheading, factual lead and inverted-pyramid structure. Before publication, confirm the official programme name, the 20,000 training target and the registration procedure with the relevant authorities.