Amaechi Tasks Rivers Youth On Industry, Self-Reliance

Former National Organising Secretary of PDP , Prince Uche Secondus (2nd right) with his wife, Mrs Ene Secondus, and Dr Sam Dede (middle), coming out of St Peter’s Church, Okrika after the funeral service of Elder Ma Elsie Abel-Dede, last Saturday.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has charged beneficiaries of youth empowerment scheme, provided by the state government, to be responsible and maximize the opportunity given to them for sustainable development.

Governor Amaechi gave the charge yesterday during the graduation/presentation of certificates and starter packs to 115 beneficiaries of the scheme, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development, with the theme: “Breaking the Barrier of Unemployment through ICT” at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall, Port Harcourt.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi stressed the need for the graduands to maintain discipline, commitment and be focused on their businesses, stating that as successful participants of the programme, they had been equipped as employers of labour, and called on the ministry to ensure a routine supervision of the beneficiaries and reward accordingly those that maximize returns.

The state chief executive noted that “with the training and presentation of starter packs, you have moved one step higher in life,” urging them to know that “your destiny is in your hands. He also advised beneficiaries to adhere strictly to business principles and cultivate prudence in management of resources.

Speaking, Commissioner for Youth Development, Sir Owene Wonodi said the scheme, which involved 115 youth drawn from the 23 local government areas, was designed to provide employment opportunities to the youth of the state, thereby encouraging self-reliance and productivity. He urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors and justify the organisations in areas of training and wealth generation for the country.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Engr Goodlife Nmekini lauded the initiative of the Ministry, describing the programme as an avenue “for teaching the youth to fish and not just giving them fish”.

He told the graduands to distinguish themselves in their areas of training, stating that most global businesses today started small.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Amos Samuel thanked the state government for its efforts in youth development and support, and promised to do all within their capacity to justify the empowerment programme.