By Goodluck Ikiebe
The National President of Fugar Progressive Union, a socio – Cultural group in Edo State, Barrister Richard Anetekhai, has charged its Youth Association, to continue to develop action plans for empowerment and employment opportunities.
Mr Anetekhai gave the charge in Fugar, headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State at the second edition of the Fugar Youth Summit with the theme, ” Unlocking the potentials of Fugar Youths for equitable growth and development”.
He said that the maiden edition was held in December 2021, with the aim of addressing the myriads of problems affecting its teeming youth population, “I am glad that the summit has provided a platform to achieve these objectives”
He noted that the summit must also be used to continue tackling some of the social problems affecting the youths; address the moral decadence amongst some of them and teach the virtues of hardwork and the dignity of labour.
“It is good to note that the summit is not just a talking shop, but a platform for real achievements, as ten (10) youths, who participated in the maiden Summit, were provided with various empowerment items at the summit, while many have already benefitted or benefitting from other empowerment programmes”.
“The summit has not only provided a platform to mould, empower and engage with the youths, but has also helped to unite the youths. I therefore, encourage the youths to come together to build a strong and united Fugar Youth Association, which is the umbrella body of all Fugar youth groups and organisations”, Anetekhai added.
“I wish to use this opportunity to thank all the Fugarians and friends of Fugar that contributed to making this summit a reality”.
In a welcome address to participants at the Fugar Youth Summit 2022, the Chairman Organising Committee, Mr Sunday Uloko, said that a five year strategic plan on Fugar Vocational Hub is being developed for the Youths to acquire and develop their skills.
“The Fugar Vocational Hub will also create access opportunities for work experience and training opportunities such as furniture making, painting, tiling, cosmetology, computer training and farming”.
According to Sunday Uloko, the Fugar Vocational Hub initiative will help to reduce problems associated with youth entrepreneurship, job creation, curbing social vices and enhance human capacity building.
Some of the facilitators at the Summit include, Mr Ignatius Aigbokhaode of Newell Engineering Company, Pastor Sweet Egwiekhor, Dr Mrs Theodora Ogwanighie, Miss Enate Mercy Enike.
Our Correspondent reports that the high point of the two days event were presentation of capacity building items like Digital dual Nixon Camera, Catering equipment, industrial Sewing machine and cash gift for internet data to beneficiaries.
Various secondary schools in Fugar community that participated in the Youth summit were also presented with certificates.
In another development, all is now set for the commencement of the 4th edition of Fugar Cultural Festival with the theme, Showcasing Our Cultural Values and Heritage.
The town is already wearing new look to receive visitors from far and near, who will grace this year’s Fiesta, which is organised by the Fugar Progressive Union in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture.
The Chairman Planning Committee, Hon Solomon Obomighie, disclosed that this year’s edition will be more interesting and entertaining.
He also unfolded the Programme of activities for the five day Cultural Festival.
*DAY 1: FRIDAY 23RD OF DECEMBER*
*Morning Session*
• 10am: Visitation to the Anwu of Avhianwu and elders for prayers to kick-start the Fugar Cultural Festival
*Afternoon Session*
• 2pm: Jumat service
*Evening Session*
• 4pm: Opening of the Food Court at the Fugar City Centre, Ivhiavhe Village (Fugar Garage)
• 6pm: Social evening at the Food Court
*DAY 2: SATURDAY 24TH OF DECEMBER*
*Morning Session*
• 10am: Visitation to the traditional rulers and chiefs
° 11am: Visit to Ukwi Alimhinojo – Ughiogwa
*Afternoon Session*
°12noon: Public Lecture at Uta Agbabor
°Cultural display @lecture interlude
*Evening Session*
7pm: Wrestling competition
9pm: Agha Oba
10pm: Camp Fire night
*DAY 3: SUNDAY 25TH OF DECEMBER*
*Morning Session*
• Church Service @ St. Theresa Catholic Church
*Afternoon Session*
• 2pm: Picnic/Visit to Edegbake Cave. Take off point at the Food Court
*Evening Session*
6pm: Social at Food Court
*DAY:4 MONDAY 26TH OF DECEMBER*
*Morning session*
• 10am: Picnic/Visit to Oghodoghodo cave. Take off point at the Food Court
*Evening Session*
• 5pm: Social evening at the Food Court
*DAY 5: TUESDAY 27TH OF DECEMBER*
• 10am: Grand finale. Cultural Dances Procession to the main event venue at John Akhagbemhe Akhigbe event Centre, Fugar.
