Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of the state government’s full backing for the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to deepen job creation and empowerment opportunities for women and youths across the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the NDE Director-General, Mallam Silas Ali Agara, and his team to Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara commended the federal government’s efforts under President Bola Tinubu to tackle unemployment, describing such initiatives as vital to sustainable development.
He noted that Rivers State’s unique economic status — driven by oil operations, seaports, and a busy international airport — attracts significant migration from neighbouring states, heightening pressure on jobs and infrastructure.
“The only way we can help, not just our people but also those who come here for better opportunities, is to expand employment and make it easier for people to earn a living,” Fubara said. “When people are meaningfully engaged, insecurity drops and the economy grows.”
The governor expressed delight that Rivers youths are already benefiting from NDE programmes and disclosed that the state has three NDE farm centres, adding that he has directed the Ministry of Employment Generation to assess the facilities and outline support options.
He emphasised the need for targeted programmes for rural women, especially as youth migration to urban centres leaves them with increased economic burdens in rural communities.
Fubara also highlighted his administration’s investments in economic infrastructure, citing the newly-constructed road linking Ngo in Andoni LGA to the Atlantic shoreline. He said the project would unlock vast opportunities in the blue economy, attract tourism and private investment, and create long-term jobs.
“We might not be here in the next 20 to 30 years, but I’m confident this will benefit our people and the country,” he noted.
He assured that Rivers State would collaborate with the NDE to scale up employment initiatives and align with national efforts to empower citizens.
In his remarks, NDE DG Silas Agara praised Governor Fubara for his infrastructural strides and economic development focus. He said the agency is seeking strategic partnership with the state to expand employment programmes, adding that enrolment into NDE schemes remains merit-based through its online portal.
“Rivers State is a key blue-economy hub, and we are here with a high-powered team to deepen collaboration,” Agara said. “Through the Renewed Hope Employment Programme, many youths — including those from Rivers — have been empowered.”
Agara reaffirmed NDE’s mandate as Nigeria’s primary job creation institution and expressed readiness to partner more closely with the state government for greater impact.
Copyright © EaglesWatchOnline 2023 All rights reserved.
This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without written permission from EaglesWatchOnline.
