Gov. Oshiomhole lauds ministry’s efforts on youth development

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, has lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in empowering youths in the Niger Delta area through agriculture.

Oshiomhole made the commendation in Benin on Wednesday when the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Uguru, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.

In company with the minister on the visit was the Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Daramola,

The governor explained that youth empowerment, particularly in agriculture, was key to future development, saying: “the world now has the largest generation of youths in history”.

“We, in Edo State, place great hope in our youths to actualise the desired change our country needs.

“Youths need to be guided on how funds are to be utilised to make them employers of labour in the area and the nation at large,” he said.

The governor further applauded the ministry for fulfilling its earlier promise of developing the people of the region.

“For massive reforms to turn around the fortune of the society, we need to recognise that prosperity involves creating jobs and maintaining peace,” he said.

Oshiomhole emphasised the need for a permanent structure for the ministry in the state, considering that the challenges in the region were not temporary.

“We may be short of funds but we are not short of land.

“I will direct my commissioner to allocate the needed land this month for the ministry to begin the construction of its state office because I know that comrades will be employed,” he said.

Earlier, Uguru said: “we are in the state to empower 130 youths in the Niger Delta region.

“It is our position that we should let the State Government know that Edo State was chosen to host the event because of the peace in the state,’’ he said.

He requested for land so that the ministry could have a permanent office accommodation in the state.

“We want to channel our resources in such a way that they will be best utilised and there will be no wastage,’’ the minister said. (NAN)