Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has said that the biggest challenge confronting the Niger-Delta region is the ugly spectre of youth unemployment.
Oborevwori disclosed this at the 6th meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta(NCND) held at the Government House, Asaba with theme “Simulating Strategies for Economic Growth and Development in the NigerDelta region.
The Governor stated”By far, the biggest challenge confronting us is the ugly spectre of youth unemployment,with the attendant effect of youth restiveness.
He explained that the region can boast of a vast army of graduates, which is a clear and presented danger to the collective peace and security of our region.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori further noted that in Delta State, the services sector accounts for over Fifteen percent of the non_Oil economy,followed by agriculture twenty seven percent and manufacturing nineteen percent to the state’s GDP,stressing that the Delta State Government is equipping its youth not only with the technical and vocational skills to participate in business, trade and investment.
Oborevwori however maintained that there is urgent steps needed to be taken in addressing the protracted problems of poverty, unemployment and inequality in the region.
Governor Oborevwori said”economic diversification is key to our growth aspirations,hence I welcome ideas on how we can reposition our agricultural economic and invest massively in critical social and economic infrastructure.
“He also revealed that he expected the meeting to help to develop the blue print for more robust and effective Public-Private partnership to accelerate industrialisation in the various States in the Niger-Delta region.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said that the intervention of the Commission was crucial in facilitating urban_rural integration, creating employment opportunities for the people and enabling regional economic growth.
He remarked that the forum is strategic platform for states in the Niger_Delta region to focus on issues and challenges of common interest, create a more dynamic and equitable arrangement for the region prosperity and deepen the collaboration for using the region’s natural resources for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
He however charged the commission to complete all on-going and abandoned projects in the region.
“it is my considered view that there are areas needing urgent attention and follow up for our dreams for growth and development in the Niger-Delta region to become reality.”
