RSG Tasks Stakeholders On National Youth Policy Implementation

The Rivers State Government has appealed to stakeholders for support towards the implementation of the National Youth Policy.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Prince Ohia Obi made the appeal during a courtesy call on him by a coalition of youth groups under the aegis of Youth Development Cluster.
Obi, who said the state was ready for the implementation of the policy, however, said the effect of it can only be felt when relevant stakeholders make their input.
The commissioner said the policy would not only be implemented but would be rewritten to set the peculiarities of the state.
He said civil society organisations (CSOs) would be required to drive the implementation of the law, and regretted the absence of a youth law in the state.
Also speaking, Chamberlain Etukudoh said the cluster, which comprises 10 civil society organisations was formed to implement the National Youth Policy in states across the country.
Etukudoh said the organisation was working hard to ensure that the implementation does not go the way of previous policies.
He said the organisation was engaging Rivers State for the exercise as one of the key states in the South-South zone, adding that the cluster was being supported by USAID.
Also speaking, Kingsley Atang said the ministry can support the groups through public sensitisation and enlightenment.
He also stressed the need for the state to implement the National Youth Policy with a view to improving the conditions of youths in the state.
On her part, Dr. Mina Ogbanga of the Centre for Development Support Initiative (CDSI), one of the organisations driving the programme, said achieving high standard of life for the youth was part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme.
She said the organisation was ready to work with the ministry to ensure the attainment of the programme.

By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama