Govt Promises Opportunities For Self-employment

Abia state government says it would continue to initiate and promote opportunities for gainful self-employment.
Governor Theodore Orji gave this assurance at the passing out ceremony of the 2008 Batch C National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state for their one year national service.
A total of 616 corps members passed out during the occasion held at the Orji Uzor Kalu Township Stadium, Umuahia where 15 corps members who distinguished themselves during their service year were honoured with state awards.
Abia State Co-ordinator of the NYSC, Ufot Etukudo, also used the forum to charge the out-going corps members to explore the private sector for job opportunities while those seeking to be self-employed should avail themselves of the NYSC Foundation economic package to get started.
Orji, represented by his deputy, Comrade Chris Akomas, urged the youths to look to the future with hope, saying opportunities and privileges await them. He added : “white collar jobs might not be there but rest assured that government will not relent in its efforts to initiate and promote opportunities for gainful self-employment.”
He pointed out that “active participation in the Youth Corps programme is a stage in the life of any patriotic and worthy citizen which affords him/her the opportunity to explore the labour market and face future challenges.”
The governor commended managers of the NYSC scheme for their commitment and undaunted efforts at cementing sustainable bonds among the youths for systematic building of a strong, united and better Nigeria.
He further remarked that NYSC programme has made indelible impact on the development of Abia state as well as Nigeria in general and encouraged the NYSC to strive to add more value to its services to humanity.
Chairman of Abia State NYSC Board and Permanent Secretary, Political, Charity Umezie, in her address, urged private sector players who employ the corps labour to brace up to the multi-faceted challenges posed by the scheme over the years.
Umezie said that rural communities would be transformed when people identify for execution, developmental projects that would uplift the rural areas especially in the areas of education, health services and industry.
”If NYSC’s untapped labour is well utilised, our rural communities will be transformed into centres of excellence,” she opined.
Earlier, the Abia State coordinator of NYSC, Etukudo, had charged the out-going corps member to look beyond the present uncertainties by applying their “practical and demonstrative willingness and abilities to move forward.”
”The present situation in the country makes it impossible for all of you to be employed in the public service,” Etukudo told the jubilant youths, urging them to explore the private sector while those of them wishing to set up their own businesses should grab the opportunity offered by the NYSC foundation.
The event featured parade by the out-going corps members, cultural dance by the NYSC cultural troupe and presentation of certificates to those who bagged the State Honours Award.