By Wasiu Owolewa
The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to reduce unemployment among youths in the state.
The government position was made known by the Senior Special Assistant(SSA) to Ekiti state Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Olufemi Joshua Aduloju when he led representatives of student and youth bodies on a courtesy visit to the state coordinator of National Directorate of Employment(NDE), Mr Sanusi Hakeem in his office on Monday.
The Governor’s aide in his brief remark stated that the present administration of Governor Oyebanji is doing everything humanly possible to see that unemployed youths in the state are empowered. He called on the NDE to give space to youths in any of their programne so as to compliment the efforts of the present administration.
Aduloju added that the main agenda of their visitation was to familiarize with the state coordinator and also seek the assistance of the agency on how the youths will benefit more in their upcoming programmes.
“We are delighted to be in your office this morning. The purpose of our visit is to familiarize ourselves with you and also seek for assistance for our youths in area of employment and empowerment.
“The Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji knows the value of youths and doesn’t joke with their welfare. His administration is determined to reduce to the bearerest minimum unemployment among our youths. This is part of his six point agenda.
“That is why we are calling on you to enable our youths to benefit from various empowerment programmes and employment opportunities that will be coming from your agency”
Responding, the state coordinator of NDE assured that the agency is ready to collaborate with Ekiti state government to reduce unemployment and poverty among the youths in the state.
Mr Sanusi stated further that the major aim of the agency is to create job opportunities for the unemployed. He highlighted some programmes that the agency has been coming up with to provide opportunities for the unemployed in the state. Such programmes include, Vocational development skill, Special Public Works(SPW), Rural employment production and small scale enterprise.
He said, “This agency is ready to collaborate with the state government to ensure that unemployment rate is brought down among our youths. The purpose of this agency is to provide employment for the unemployed.
“Our youths should be rest assured that many opportunities would be enjoyed by them through the agency”
On a final note, the NDE state coordinator showed his profound appreciation for the courtesy visit. On the entourage of the SSA, were, leaders of the youth organizations from Nigeria Youth Congress ( NYC )and National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN). Others include representatives student unions.