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•Dr. Jonathan (middle), Sambo (third right), Minister of Labour, Chukwemeka Wogu (left), his Works counterpart , Mr. Mike Onolememen, Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Hajara Musa Wodu one of the beneficiaries at the launch of the scheme...yest•President launches Public Works and Women Youth Empowerment projects
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday reiterated his administration’s determination to tackle youth unemployment.
He also said projects initiated to address the situation will generate 370, 000 jobs before the end of the year.
He spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa during the launch of the Public Works and Women Youth Employment (PW/WYE)) project, which is a component of the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE).
The Chairman of the SURE-P Board, Ambassador Chirstopher Kolade hinged the success of the programme on the cooperation of governors and local government chairmen.
Inaugurating SURE Board, Jonathan promised that in this season of doubts over government’s inability to deliver, those selected are tested hands that will take on the challenges to ensure that all projects identified are properly done as well as ensure monies assigned will be quickly deployed.
At this time that youths are easily engaged for negative deeds, this SURE Programme, he said, will engage them positively.
The massive number of youths who leave higher institutions yearly are taken care of.
Jonathan said his administration recognized the youths as a strategic partner in national development and was prepared to address the problem of youth unemployment.
Specifically, the President said the PW/WYE is designed to create immediate employment for women and youths in labour intensive public works.
The project, which is expected to generate 50,000 skilled jobs and 320,000 unskilled job opportunities is to be implemented in partnership with the states, the local governments and the private sector.
The President underscored the importance of the project to his government, particularly in addressing unemployment, youth restiveness and violent crimes which he attributed to idleness.
Jonathan said: “This administration view the prevailing high rate of unemployment among our youths with great concern especially with the rising youth militancy, violent crimes and other social vices inimical to the political and economic stability of the nation.
Vice President Namadi Sambo called for the support of every Nigerian towards the successful implementation of the project.
He said that inclusive growth and job creation were among the four pillars of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government and they would work towards achieving them.
Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Ameachi said: “If we are able to employ youths, engage women we will reduce crime and governors are on board to deliver on this programme.
According to Kolade : “We need to know the critical nature of this programme to deliver to Nigerians the dividends of democracy.
He said: “This can only succeed with full cooperation of governors and local government chairmen.
Governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, unemployed youths and some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) attended the ceremony.
SOURCE: The Nation, 14 February 2012. http://www.thenationonlineng.net
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