As youths all over the world celebrate International Youth Day, the Rivers State Government has stated that it would reward youths who are exemplary and outstanding in their various fields of endeavour for a guaranteed future of economic independence and dominance.
The state Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Prince Obi Ohia, who gave the assurance while addressing youths, last Wednesday, during the commemoration of the International Youth Day celebration in Port Harcourt, noted that plans were underway to reward youths who have distinguished themselves as worthy ambassadors of the state by contributing their quota to the economic development of the state.
Such youths, he said, would be given special awards and recognition by the ministry as worthy ambassadors who would serve as mentors and role models to other youths in the state.
Ohia expressed optimism that there are better days ahead for Rivers youths, as he disclosed that a process of planning, monitoring and evaluation of youth development activities has commenced with the presentation of a draft copy of the first ever, youth development policy in the state, adding that the policy document has been formally presented to critical stakeholders for relevant inputs, and would be forwarded to the State Executive Council for approval.
He said the ministry was also working very labouriously to possibly give the policy document the required legal backing, to be passed into law, through the state House of Assembly Committee on Youth Development and Local Content.
“If this framework is put in place, then, it is very certain that youth development will no longer be considered child’s play but would be accorded the seriousness and urgency it deserves”.
With the formulation of the youth policy document, the commissioner hinted that governments, corporate organisations as well as IOCs would have the needed structure to actively participate in youth development processes in the state.

By: Ike Wigodo