Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has reiterated his call for the state’s youth to participate in skill acquisition programs in order to become self-sufficient.
Diri made the announcement on Monday during the graduation ceremony of 814 students from the Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme in Yenagoa.
The governor also inaugurated the training and empowerment of 317 students under the Sustainable Development Goals scheme, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He believes that youths should learn a skill rather than rely on handouts from politicians.
He stated that his administration would continue to support similar empowerment programs in order to improve the economic fortunes of young people and the state as a whole.
He emphasized that true progress comes from hard work and urged the youth to avoid criminality.
The governor encouraged the attendees to take advantage of the government’s plans and programs in order to give their lives meaning.
He expressed his delight at the graduates’ determination to put their skills to use and promised to continue the program.
He stated that through a series of empowerment programs, the state would soon begin producing the majority of what people buy outside.
Diri praised Mrs Charity Godwin, Director of the Centre for Women Development in Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, for shifting the narrative from one of criminality to one of entrepreneurship.
“Today, in fact, is one of my happiest days as I stand in front of women and boys graduating with skills.”
“It is critical that you have skills and that you add value to yourself and others around you.”
“This training will continue, and you will be required to train others as well.” “What Charity Godwin has done has allowed me to fly with my vision,” he said.
The governor urged the youths of Southern Ijaw, particularly Constituency-4, to abstain from all forms of criminality.
“Those who encourage you to do bad things are not your friends.” Those who care about you are the ones who are teaching you today, and our government will continue to provide you with such opportunities.
“Do not engage in ungodly business.” Do things that will benefit you and your community.
“I am pleased with your demeanor. I see you didn’t even wait for your starter packs before putting your skills to use.
“We will be monitoring you to see how you develop in order to assist you,” Diri said.
Mr Federal Otokito, Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment, described the event as “remarkable in the life of the administration” in his welcome address.
It was in line with the governor’s mandate, according to Otokito, to end political praise singing and raise entrepreneurs.
Godwin, who delivered the program overview, also thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve.
She stated that she had been using her position to further the governor’s desire for youth and women to become self-sufficient.
She stated that the training lasted about a year and that the students learned a variety of skills including fashion design, catering, shoe making, and soap making.
In their remarks, beneficiaries’ representatives thanked the governor and Godwin for the training and assured that the skills learned would be put to good use.
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