The Rivers State Government has commended the French multinational, Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, for the capacity development of youths in the state.
The State government also said it would soon launch an initiative, ‘Rewriting the Narratives’ aimed at changing the idea, attitude, and perception of Rivers youths.
The Director of Youth Development, Rivers State Ministry of Youth and Development, Ms. Chinedu Kejeh, disclosed these at the graduation ceremony of the 13th Batch trainees under the NNPC/TEPNG joint venture skills acquisition training program in Port Harcourt.
Kejeh said Rivers youths are believed to be militants, lazy and would not want to work but the present administration led by Chief Nyesom Wike was working to change the narrative.
“This administration will ensure that Rivers youths become part of the global economy and compete favourably with other youths in the world.
“I commend Total E & P Limited for carrying out this programme and the courage and resources to carry out her social responsibility to her host communities. I believe we are going to start a conversation that will take us to another level,” Kejeh said.
She stated that the Ministry of Youths and Development was triggered to rewrite the Narratives with the vision of the present administration to ensure that Rivers youths are skilled and have relevant certificates to work in the oil and gas sector.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Mr. Emma Okah, says plans are in top gear to disbursed the sum of N200million monthly as a free interest loan to young entrepreneurs and traders in the state.
Okah said that a State Executive Council Committee has been set up for the disbursement the Monthly N200million Interest-Free Loans.
Okah in a statement made available to newsmen urged interested traders and youths to take advantage of the loan facility to boost their businesses.
