Nembe youths task govt, NGOs on skills acquisition centres

Against the backdrop of inadequate vocational and entrepreneur centres on skills acquisition in Nembe, a riverine community in Bayelsa State, youths in the area have called on the incumbent government and non governmental organisation (NGOs) to give priority to youth empowerment.This was contained in a communiqu issued at the end of a two-day workshop entitled 'Role of youths in community development, entrepreneurship and leadership,' organised by Nengi James Foundation, which took place inside Nembe City Hall, recently.The 16-point communiqu endorsed by the vice-president of Opu-Asawo Group, in Nembe, Mr Daniel Olali and the Head of Voluntary Uniform Associations of the community, Mr Victor Ikaebimo, harped on the need for 'government at all tiers to establish skills acquisition centres in Nembe, with a view to equipping youths with relevant knowledge so that they could economically be independent.'The participants at the workshop expressed optimism that setting up vocational centres, where young people can be trained in different fields of human endeavours would go a long way in addressing increasing unemployment rates and youth restiveness.According to the communiqu, 'government at all levels and wealthy individuals should facilitate youths' access to gainful self employment through the provision of micro-credit schemes and also encourage entrepreneurship skills among the youth by partnering relevant government agencies'.The communiqu also observed the crucial need for the state government to provide free and compulsory primary and secondary school education, with scholarships and bursary incentives so that indigent students can have unfettered access to acquire qualitative educational.While contending that the gradual erosion of cherished traditions and culture of Nembe should be urgently tackled with the promotion of films and documentary on cultural heritage, the participants charged government to place much emphasis on the revitalisation of African cultures by including it in schools curriculum.They, however, commended Nengi Foundation for organising the workshop, noting that it was timely in raising awareness on the need to create job opportunities to Nembe youths, via the establishment of vocational centres and entrepreneurship schemes.
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