NOA Emarks on Sensitisation to Liberate Youths from Poverty

 Governments at all levels often embark on policies and programmes that will benefit citizens especially those living in the rural areas.

Regrettably, these deliberate efforts do not always get to the people whom they are meant for apparently due to ineffective communication.

It is in a bid to close this gap that the Federal Government through the National Orientation Agency embarked on sensitization to educate youths on some initiatives of the Government aimed at addressing unemployment and ending poverty.
In Imo State, a one day forum on Communicating Government policies, programmes and activities with the theme; “Understanding and Accessing Available Economic Empowerment Programme on Job Creation, Youth Empowerment and Improvement of small and Medium Scale Enterprises” has been
held in Owerri.
The programme organized by the National Orientation Agency was attended by youths drawn across the twenty seven Local Government Areas of the State.

Speaking at the event, the Director, National Orientation Agency in Imo State, Mr. Vitus Ekeocha lamented that many youths were ignorant of policies meant to improve their lots due to lack of interest or access to the media.

He however noted that effective communication would enhance citizens’ participation in governance and discourage migration.

The Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Youth Affairs, Mr. Rex Okoro pledged the Government’s commitment to accord priority to policies and programmes aimed at lifting greater number of youths in the area out of poverty. Mr. Okoro said the Government would build the capacity of young people in agricultural value chain to address food shortages and unemployment.

He encouraged youths to show interest in skills rather than seeking for non-existent white collar jobs.

The State Coordinator, Agricultural Development Project, Mr.Anayochukwu Jonathan appealed to Nigerians to pay more attention to agriculture, noting that Government had taken necessary steps to encourage farmers in the country.

Some of the youths who spoke with Radio Nigeria promised to harness the opportunities existing in Federal Government agencies to empower themselves.
There were lectures from representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Industry on how to access facilities for Small and Medium Scale businesses.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU