By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA—NO fewer than 120 select trainees from Onitsha North/South federal constituency in Anambra state are now undergoing a four-day special training programme on beans flour production, aimed at empowering them for greater days ahead.

The programme being sponsored by Hon. Lynda Chuba-Ikpeazu representing Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, kicked off Monday in Onitsha with two notable resource persons, including Dr. Aminu Mohammed and Alhaji Jimoh Ibrahim who represented Dr. S. O. Okunade, Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, NSPRI as trainers.

At the end of the intensive training programme which is expected to be rounded off on Thursday, the sponsor, Hon. Ikpeazu would personally empower all of the trainees with special financial grants and production equipment to enable them start off beans flour production and packaging in commercial quantity.

In his opening remarks yesterday at the commencement of the training programme, the Special Assistant to Ikpeazu, Hon. Uche Okiwe who represented her, explained that apart from embarking on rehabilitation of some roads and streets in Onitsha, Hon Ikpeazu thought it wise to train these selected ones as a means of empowering them, rather than folding her arms and watch them begging for alms.

Okiwe further explained that out of the total of 120 trainees, 64 were selected from the 32 wards that made up Onitsha North/South federal constituency, while others were selected from widowers associations, town unions, Yoruba, Hausa and Igala tribes resident within the constituency.

He therefore charged the trainees to remain focused and grab the opportunity afforded them, so that by August, this year, another batch would start off their own training programme aluminium and metal fabrications and welding, after which they would equally be empowered with necessary financial and material assistance for effective take off.