The Rivers State Commissioner
for Education, Dame Alice Nemie says the training of Rivers indigenes in Germany on Technical and Vocational Skills by the State Government is a framework for rapid economic growth, and not a waste of fund as misrepresented recently by the critics of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi led administration in the state.
Dame Alice Nemi who disclosed this last Friday during a routine check of facilities and trainees at the technical and vocational training centres in Port Harcourt, explained that the  Rivers Indigenes who were trained in Germany are now professionals and would in turn impart  knowledge to subsequent trainees in various skill centres in the state.
The Education Commissioner urged Rivers people to disregards the misrepresentation by the administration’s critics that, the training of Rivers indigenes in Germany was a waste of the state’s funds.
She described the criticism as unconstructive, adding that it is aimed at misleading the public against the good intentions of Governor Amaechi-led administration.
Dame Nemi, said plans had been concluded with German exports to commence the full  scale training of more Rivers indigenes in various skills by September, this year.
She said, the training was not only targeting rapid economic growth, but to empower Rivers people for productive ventures.
Also speaking, the principal Director of the Technical and Vocation training centres in Port Harcourt, Mr Joachim Kult commended the state government for taking a pragmatic step to  reduce poverty and unemployment in the state
He said, all necessary equipment and facilities to kick-start the training this  year had already arrived the state, and ready for the exercise.
Mr Kult said, the technical and vocational training includes, welding, Brick-laying, plumbing, electrical and electronic s among others.
Speaking with The Tide, one of the trainees in Germany, from Khana  Local Government Area, Mr Nnemane Victor confirmed that, he was among those trained in welding to become professional, who would impart knowledge to other trainees in the state.
He described the gestures as a welcome development for the youths to overcome unemployment and youth restiveness in the state.
According to him, they were to be trained for six weeks in Germany, but due to delay in the travelling arrangements, the training was held for three weeks.
He expressed happiness that, he is now a professional welder as well as an instructor that can be self employed, and in turn employ others to reduce employment in the state.
Also speaking with The Tide, another trainee, Mr Frank Owhor from Obio/Akpor local government area, said he was trained as an Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Germany.
He said, he was already employed to teach in the state technical school.

Enoch Epelle

Rivers State Newspaper Corporation Political Editor , Mr. Boye Salau (middle) with copy of The Tide newspaper in a group photograph with victory tenage group of Shekinah Church Mission, during the group’s visit to the corporation, recently. Pix: Nwiueh Donatus Ken