The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to embark on projects and programmes that would have direct bearing on the lives of youths in the state.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Prince Obi Ohia, made the assertion at a Town Hall meeting in Degema Local Government Area recently.
Hon. Ohia gave instances of some of the projects undertaken by the State Government which are beneficial to the youths which include; The Real Madrid Academy, describing it as the epicentre of Youth Development in the state and the numerous infrastructural projects with Youths as direct beneficiaries of such structures.
According to him “those that would work in such environments are the youths, those that would handle the supplies are the youths and even a large number of those that would use such infrastructure are the Youths, meaning that all infrastructural developments being carried out by our amiable Governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike are Youth focused and Youth centred”.
He explained that the recent siting of the satellite campus of the Rivers State University in Emohua, very close to Degema is an eloquent testament of the Government’s focus on Youth oriented projects adding that Youths would benefit from the project more than any other.
The Commissioner also explained that the Ministry of Youth Development has been equipped through articulate policy formulation by Gov Wike to provide adequate Youth investment through the three technical departments available in the ministry.
He said these specialised departments are the vehicles through which youth education/counselling, networking/social mobilization as well as enterprise development are applied in pruning and harnessing youth potentials for optimum productivity.
Hon. Ohia urged community based youth organisations in the Local Government to take advantage of the ongoing revalidation exercise by the Ministry and ensure they are registered in order to be captured on the ministry’s database.
He charged the youths to shun gangterism, cultism and get rich quick syndrome but rather, channel their energies towards developing their minds and becoming better individuals in the society.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Roland Obed Whyte who gave an overview of the Ministry’s statutory functions and responsibilities announced that no Community Youth Based Organisation in Degema LGA had fulfilled the revalidation requirements of the ministry and as such, are not recognised by the State Government.
Chairman of Degema Local Government Council Hon. Michael John Williams, lauded the State Government for the initiative and gave assurances of the Council’s support and synergy.
Hon. Williams also disclosed that the Council would in the coming months, roll out programmes that would positively impact the lives of Youth in the area and assured them of an enabling environment for those who are entrepreneurs to thrive, in the LGA.
