Elechi Re-assures Youths Of Improved Welfare

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State has re-stated his determination to make policies and programmes that would enhance the welfare of youths in the state.

Elechi, represented by Mr Chukwuma Nwazunku, the Speaker of the state assembly, made the pledge in Abakaliki on Monday during the closing ceremony of the 2013 International Youth Day celebration.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Chief Sam Mgbada, in the state, noted that the consequences of the migration of youths from the rural to urban areas were enormous and negatively affected them.

Mgbada noted that as beginners, they would grapple with the problem of accommodation, education, and healthcare services, among others, adding that the state government had designed programmes and policies to check rural-urban migration by youths through the provision of basic amenities in the rural areas.

He enjoined the youths to reciprocate the government’s good gestures by being law abiding, protecting basic infrastructures in their communities and engaging in productive ventures.

In their response, some of the youths urged the government at all levels to make the provision of employment opportunities their priorities to check the rising wave of crime in the country.

They noted that engaging the youths in meaningful ventures would keep them busy thereby diverting their attention from acts capable of disrupting the peace and security of the nation.

A member of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi chapter, Mr Ephraim Obi, said the high rate of youth unemployment posed a serious threat to the security of the country.

A student unionist, Miss Ifeyinwa Aligwe, advised the government to empower the youth with relevant skills to become entrepreneurs.