RSG, FG To Partner On Youths Employment

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, has expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to create programmes that would promote youths employment.

Governor Amaechi gave the indication when the Minister of Youths Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt .

The Governor admitted that the nation’s economy could not grow without a deliberate plan for the youths to earn their livelihood, adding that the government needed to create an atmosphere that would help the youths achieve their economic goals.

He stressed that, “this economy cannot move forward if we don’t deal with the issue of youths unemployment. Even if you can’t employ, create a conducive atmosphere for economic activities to thrive for the private sector to grow.”

Governor Amaechi also said that his administration would, “be glad to partner with you because if we do that, we will reduce youth restiveness. We will reduce crime.”

The Minister, Mallam Abdullahi informed the Governor that the visit to the state was in response to the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan to launch the United Nations youths programme for the South- South zone.

The programme which would have youths in the zone compete for cash prizes with their business plans was aimed at creating opportunities for young people to establish and grow their businesses.

Mallam Abdullahi said “We have chosen Rivers State for the South-South not just because you are the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum but because you are one of the leading lights for us as young people in this country”.

He further declared that, “we have come here this morning to solidiarise with you. And we thank you for your hospitality since we arrived here in Rivers State. We will always have reasons to associate with Your Excellency and your lofty ideas”.