Rivers State Government, has made public its plan to commence a multi-million dollar agriculture scheme.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi made the disclosure on Wednesday during the third youth interactive forum organised by the government in Port Harcourt.

“The scheme would encompass a settlement and cluster units in different areas of agriculture and is geared towards providing jobs for the teeming youths of the state”, he assured.

Amaechi said the scheme was still in the works, noting that youth empowerment was most challenging and the most difficult part of governance”.

According to him, the project was expected to have 300 houses, a processing industry and primary schools.

Once the scheme was completed, the Governor averred that,”we will not give out as charity, the youths will be partners to drive it”.

The Governor used the forum to debunk  claims that  Risonpalm  had been sold to foreign investors, saying, “what we did with Risonpalm is that we signed a contract with Siat. I didnt sell it,I leased it out for 35 to 40 years and they will pay us some money and employ our youths.”

From estimation, the company may employ about 3000-4000 youths once it comes afloat.

Amaechi explained that Risonpalm, when fully operated could employ about 3000-4000 youths, adding that all ailing government companies would be revived to create jobs for the youths based on a public/private partnership, to avert the pitfalls of the old system.

For instance, he disclosed that the SUPABOD building and the Olympia Hotel would all be leased out to create jobs.

Currently, he revealed that talks had begun with a private investor to rehabilitate the building for use.

Meanwhile, some youths in the state have called on the Governor to provide more employment opportunities.

Henrietta Elechi from Ikwerre Local Government and graduate of Biomedical Science urged government to engage qualified youths in the operations of medical facilities, as this would reduce expenses on foreign medical treatment by citizens.

Another youth, Benjamin Samuel from Ahoada-West challenged government to provide jobs for graduates and rehabilitate the poor state of roads in some parts of the state.

In another development, the Rivers State Government has pledged to provide a more conducive orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the State with the construction of two new hostels.

Governor Amaechi made the promise when the new Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Nnamdi Okore-Affia paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The Governor also promised to immediately commence renovation of the camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area ahead of the next orientation exercise. “If we don’t get the entire facilities ready before November 17, we hope that before the next batch will come, the place will be conducive enough for them to stay.

He congratulated the new NYSC Director General on his appointment, wishing him the best while pledging continued support to the scheme in Rivers State.

On his part, the NYSC DG expressed appreciation to Governor Amaechi for his numerous support to the scheme in the State.

“We have on record that you have assisted in subsidising feeding of corps members during their orientation camp. We also want to thank you for standing by the scheme in Rivers State during trying times especially the physical security of corps members.”

Brig. Gen. Okore-Affia further commended the Governor for the planned new hostels and renovation of the orientation camp, including the approval of special allowances for those serving in rural areas, as he urged him to continue with the good works.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has commenced plans to build a modern educational facility for the physically challenged in the State.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi stated this in Port Harcourt, Tuesday, during a special lunch with physically challenged students as part of activities marking the four years anniversary of the Supreme Court judgment that brought him into office in 2007.

Accompanied by his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, the Governor said the new facility had become necessary because of the poor condition of the school including the teaching staff.