COMMENDATIONS: HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK DRIVING TRAINING ONUIMO LAWMAKER, HON
UBA ESILE, SPONSORS YOUTHS
By Fredrick Njoku
In a major step towards youth empowerment and self reliance, the Honourable Member representing Onuimo State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr.) Chief Uba James Esile, popularly known as “Fresh-Air,” has officially flagged off a Heavy-Duty Truck Driving Training programme for about 90 youths drawn from the ten electoral wards of Onuimo Local Government Area.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Onuimo Township Stadium at the LGA headquarters in Okwe, was attended by a large crowd, community leaders, local government leaders and state officials. The initiative, which will span three months, is aimed at equipping the youth with valuable driving skills that can lead to sustainable employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Esile emphasized the importance of skill acquisition in curbing unemployment, youth restiveness, and idleness. “This is a skill that will serve you for life—a skill that will put food on your table and even empower others through you. I commend your courage for embracing this opportunity. Our governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, prioritizes youth empowerment. When you have a skill, you have independence, and nobody can deceive you,” Esile stated. He further noted that the capacity-building programme aligns with the broader human capital development goals of Governor Uzodimma’s administration under the 3R policy—Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Recovery.
Hon. Esile paid special tribute to High Chief Charles Ijezie (Okemmiri), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Mobilization, for his continued support and grassroots mobilization efforts. He also acknowledged the executive chairman, Dr Emeka Obi and other local government leaders in fostering peace, unity, and progress in Onuimo.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Onuimo Local Government Area, Dr. Emeka Obi, commended Hon. Esile’s commitment to development, describing him as a “shining light” whose initiatives are bringing positive change to the constituency. He noted that Hon Esile had continued to show special love to the people of Onuimo through various life changing programs and empowerments. Dr. Obi highlighted that the flag-off coincided with the May 27th Children’s Day celebration, making it a dual celebration of hope for the youth.
Other dignitaries, including Hon. Charles Ijezie, praised Esile’s leadership and recalled the journey leading to his emergence as a trusted representative. “The confidence we had in him has been justified,” Ijezie said.
The chairman of the program planning committee, Hon. Lawrence Okoroafor, Special Adviser on Door-to-Door Mobilization to the lawmaker, explained that the training is part of a broader economic empowerment strategy. He urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, which he described as a foundation for long-term community transformation.
Speaking, the founder of Miracle driving school academy, licensed by the Federal Road Safety Corp to train the youths , Mazi Dr Chukwuemeka Alias, lauded the initiative, noting that Hon. Esile approved the programme promptly upon proposal. He confirmed the training would be intensive, lasting three months instead of the initially proposed six months.
Goodwill messages were delivered by other government functionaries, including the SA to the Governor on Rural Development, who called for similar initiatives to be extended to neighboring Isiala Mbano and Okigwe LGAs. The Head of Department, state ministry of Labour & Employment and commandant FRSC representative also commended the initiative of the lawmaker.
The also graced by the vice chairman of the LGA, Mazi Eugene Ibegbu, leader of the council Hon Andy Maduako and councilors of the ten wards was concluded with a traditional blessing by the Chairman of the Onuimo Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness Eze Amb C.N Eze who prayed for wisdom and divine guidance for Hon. Uba Esile as he continues his people-oriented developmental initiatives. The lawmaker announced that, the training shall be annual and continuous, for other interested youths who couldn’t make it to this batch.
