GOVERNOR FUBARA TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN RIVERS STATE
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged a strong partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to combat unemployment and empower youths across the state.
He made the commitment while receiving a delegation from the NDE, led by its Director-General, H.E. Silas Ali Agara, during an audience in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara said the partnership would focus on addressing the rising unemployment rate, worsened by migration from rural areas and neighbouring states into Port Harcourt and other cities.
“Rivers State is a very unusual state because of the huge economic activities here. We have about three seaports and an airport, so you can imagine the kind of economic activities thriving here. Everybody is leaving the rural area for the urban area in search of a job. The only way we can help is by creating opportunities for them,” he said.
Governor Fubara noted that job creation remains a top priority of his administration, describing it as one of the most effective ways to reduce crime and promote peace.
“The issue of insecurity is resolved because when they have something doing, crime rate might drop. We’re not saying it will be completely ruled out, but it reduces the issue of crime in the society,” he stated.
Governor Fubara praised the NDE’s transparent, IT-driven process that allows citizens to apply for programmes without favouritism. He urged the agency to sustain its integrity and deepen collaboration with the state government for more youths to benefit.
“For the people of Rivers State and Nigeria to appreciate the effort of Mr. President, the state has to be part of what you’re doing. When the state is involved, the right publicity is given to it. So, work with our Commissioner for Employment to make good use of those programmes,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed surprise that NDE operates three farm centres in Rivers State, and directed the Commissioner to present a detailed report on their activities. He assured that the state government would provide support where needed.
The Governor also commended NDE’s Agricultural Support Programme for Women, describing it as vital to empowering rural women left behind when men migrate to cities.
In his remarks, the NDE Director-General, H.E. Silas Ali Agara, who said the visit was the first by an NDE high-powered delegation to any state since he assumed office, praised Governor Fubara for his commitment to youth empowerment, infrastructure and sports development.
Agara noted that more than 90,000 youths nationwide have benefited from the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with over 1,000 Rivers youths currently enrolled. He also announced new training programmes for persons with disabilities and underwater welding for oil and gas opportunities.
