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RSG Unveils Strategies To Curb Youth Unemployment
The Rivers State Government has unveiled strategic plans to curb youth unemployment syndrome in the state.
The state Commissioner for Youth, Hon Kenneth Chisom Gbali, disclosed this when he led the management team of the ministry in continuation of the advocacy campaign visit to Asari-Toru Local Government Council on Monday.
Gbali while handing over the strategic preparedness manual christened, “A Preparedness Plan for Rivers Youth Paradigm from Unemployability to Resourcefulness”, to Asari-Toru Local Government Council chairman, said the booklet was a compendium of all the areas that Rivers State Government has outlined to embrace in order to train and empower youths in the state.
Demonstrating how the programme would be anchored, Gbali emphasised the need for ASALGA youths to prepare themselves to participate in the trainings outlined by the state government as to become independent through learning more skills that would project them to have multiple streams of income to face the harsh global economic challenges.
“The limit of our realisation today begins with us”, he said.
According to the commissioner, the geometrical and arithmetical nature in the country can only be confronted through acquiring modern skills, and called on Rivers youths and Kalabari youths in particular to wake up and prepare themselves to key into the opportunity provided by the ministry.
He averred that Kalabari kingdom was noted as the centre of Ancient Civilization in the state, and urged them not to be deterred by the challenges caused by parental, community and environmental factors but focus towards acquiring more skills to be self-reliant.
He also used the opportunity to inform Kalabari youths that vocational centres would be built in the three senatorial districts in the state to train the youths in focal areas of ICT, Artificial Intelligence, content creation and entrepreneurship.
“To achieve all noble objective, the ministry will engage international partners to assist the youths achieve this goal,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, the Asari-Toru Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Onengiyeofori George, praised the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the commissioner, Ministry of Youth Development, Hon Chisom Kenneth Gbali for their gesture to carry Rivers youths along in the administration for the consolidation agenda in the state.
George said the inclusion of the youths in the 23 local government areas through ICT, vocational and entrepreneurship training would cushion the effects of unemployment and youth restiveness in the state.
The council boss thanked the commissioner for reaching out to the youth and less privileged in the area, adding that the message of the governor would give hope and motivate the LGA to prepare ahead of the training.
According to him, this campaign by the Ministry of Youth Development shows that the Commissioner, Dr Chisom Gbali cares for the youths in the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, described Gbali as a pragmatic and best performing commissioner in the state.
He disclosed that the ministry was in the area to thank the chairman for his ability to sponsor Kalabari youths for International Youth Summit in Accra, Ghana, adding that the chairman was the first among the 23 local government council chairmen, to maintain the rules of Community-Based Youth Groups by registering 13 youth bodies out of 15 operating in the LGA, thereby make it possible for them to respond rapidly on any issue concerning the youths in Asari-Toru LGA.
Obed-Whyte, said Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development has the vision to take adequate care of the youth, adding that “This is why the ministry decided to have different departments like, Network & Social Mobilization, Education & Counseling, Enterprise Development & Promotion and Planning, Research and Statistics to meditate and respond to any issue concerning the welfare of the youths.”
The climax of the event was an award by the youths to the commissioner.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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