Anambra State House Of Assembly Moves To Revitalize And Regulate Igbo Apprenticeship System

 

By Ndife David, Awka.

The Anambra State House of Assembly has taken a bold step towards revitalizing and regulating the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system. This was demonstrated during the public hearing of the 2024 Igbo Apprenticeship Bill held at the Assembly complex in Awka.

The proposed legislation includes the establishment of the Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Commission to oversee the implementation of the apprenticeship system, ensuring compliance and dispute resolution. 

This commission is expected to protect the interests of both apprentices (Nwa Boi) and their masters (Oga), promoting a fair and sustainable economic practice.

This bill also provides a seven years benchmark for apprenticeship with a mandatory basic education requirement and also a compulsory documentation of apprenticeship agreements and a database of all registered apprentices and masters to provide a dovetail for resolving issues.

Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage while ensuring fair economic practices and highlighted the need for a legal framework that would protect both apprentices and masters, fostering trust and mutual respect in the system.

According to the Speaker, as the bill advances through the legislative process, it holds promise for restoring confidence in the apprenticeship tradition and contributing significantly to the economic growth and development of Anambra State.

Also speaking, the Chief Sponsor of the bill, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha Constituency II, underscored the historical significance of the apprenticeship system as a vital source of economic empowerment in the region. He explained that the bill aims to address issues such as exploitation and lack of formal agreements that have led to the system’s decline in recent years.

Supporting the initiative, the member representing Oyi State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Innocent Ojike, praised the bill as a timely intervention that would stimulate entrepreneurship and reduce youth unemployment across Anambra State, noting that hearing marked a significant step forward in restoring the Igbo apprenticeship system to its former glory while adapting it to modern economic realities.

In their separate remarks, key stakeholders from the business community, including Chief Samuel Ifurunwa, Chairman of Obinnwanne Motor Spare Parts Mgbuka Obosi, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa and his counterpart from New Auto Spare Parts Nkpor, and the New Onitsha Main Market Chairman, Chief Steven Ofole and Hon. Chijioke Okpalaugo unanimously expressed their strong support for the bill and acknowledged that a regulated apprenticeship system would create a more transparent and mutually beneficial environment for trainees and business owners alike.

The Special Adviser (SPAD) to Governor Soludo on Market, Chief Everistus Ubah, Stakeholders, Market Leaders and Umuboi including Nwankwo Chibuike Samuel of Obinwanne Motor Spareparts Mgbuka Obosi and Chikaodili Udebuani of New Motor Spareparts Nkwo Nnewi all commended the hearing, noting that the bill will help strengthen the system to boost the overall socioeconomic status of individuals, families and Anambra at large.