NGF To Exploit ICT For Job Creation

Rising from a two-day retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital at the weekend ,the Nigerian Governors’ Forum(NGF) has disclosed plans to exploit the huge potential in the Information and Technology (ICT) to tackle the rising youth unemployment in the country.
In an 11-point communique read by the Chairman of the body and Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi at the end of the retreat in Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, the forum also resolved to focus on good governance and service delivery as their tenure elapses.
As a way of using ICT to curb unemployment, it would said, “make provisions support all infrastructure necessary for speedy internet connections, including broadband, so that our youths in particular and other Nigerians can participate massively in the wealth to be made from the knowledge-based economy.”
The body  hinted of plans to establish an independent office to make objective recommendations on the retirement benefits of governors, arguing that reward for leadership should be anchored on legacy exhibited in projects and service to the people.
It emphasized the need on making primary healthcare centres accessible to patients by putting in place a system which makes them utilize the health facilities closest to them, while identifying preventive healthcare as a sure path for better health for the citizens.
The body was of the opinion that one sure way of engendering job creation was to place emphasis on infrastructure provision and adequate power supply.
Frowning at the surging interest rates, the forum submitted that it will use its position on the National Economic Council, “ to press for low interest rates and enforcement of import policies and collection of custom duties. ”
The governors were of the view that high interest rates was encouraging unemployment and raising poverty, stressing that low interest rates and other policies will drive poverty reduction.
Earlier in his opening address, Governor Amaechi said the retreat had become imperative considering the current national challenge of corruption and security.
He said, “ what we do as governors even in our last years may mar or make our administration”
Since most of the governors were on the last lap of their tenure, the Rivers State governor observed that the retreat will help in providing road map for most of them to transit peacefully, stating that attention will be given to agriculture, education and other national development challenges.
He advocated for a free and fair elections and recognition of minority right in the country.
Amaechi used the retreat to call on governor to jettison all forms of division and unite for the development of the country, while lauding the secretariat for hard work to sustain the forum.
The retreat, which had 12 governors and one deputy governor in attendance, broke into sessions with papers presented on “Transitioning Out -Life After Office: Perspectives and Challenges,” “Overview of the Unemployment in Nigeria.” and Overview of the Current State of the Health Sector at the Sub-National Level”.
Former President of Liberia, Prof Amos Sawyer delivered a keynote address, “Transitioning Out: Making the Most of Life After Office”, said governors must see public service as an assignment and not entitlement.
He added, “We must be mindful that as an assignment, public service is of time-bound duration. We enter, we serve and we exit”.
As holders of public office, he counseled them to build upon the good things that were done by their predecessors and to leave footprints for their successors to follow.