By Douglas Princemola
Dr. Ugochukwu Williams, an enterprising entrepreneur and the founder of Imo Development Champions (IDC), has launched an innovative community development initiative aimed at empowering the youth of Imo State. The announcement was made during the Nigeria Democracy Day celebration held at Rock View Hotel on June 12, 2024. The event, titled “Unveiling of Development Champions IDC Competition for the Next Generation of Nigeria,” seeks to inspire young individuals to lead developmental efforts in their communities through skill acquisition and volunteerism.
The IDC competition plans to select two participants from each of the 27 Local Government Areas in Imo State, providing ₦500,000 in financial awards to the top performers. These participants will engage in a comprehensive 31-day training program, culminating in an awards ceremony slated for November/December 2024.
The initiative has received substantial support from a diverse array of stakeholders, including religious leaders, business entrepreneurs, and presidents of youth organizations. Dr. Williams highlighted the crucial importance of addressing food security, creating employment opportunities, and promoting skill-based agro-businesses. He expressed his satisfaction with the enthusiastic response from the youth toward the program.
In separate media engagements, both Dr. Ugochukwu Williams and Mr. Ndubuisi Ikeagwuonu expressed their confidence in the initiative, emphasizing its potential to significantly benefit the residents of Imo State. They pointed out that the project aims to steer the youth away from government-dependent empowerment schemes, encouraging them instead to focus on practical, skill-based development, thus fostering a culture of self-reliance and achievement.
