The Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, has emphasized the need for government to partner the organised private sector (OPS) in creating job opportunities for unemployed youths.
He made the call at the weekend while speaking as a Special Guest at the flag off ceremony organized by Ika Fish Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd, at Agbor.
He said there was the urgent need for all critical stakeholders in the local government area to partner the local government to find lasting solutions to rising unemployment and its attendant legion evil consequences on the society, through the creation of sustainable job opportunities for the youths.
The Chairman said he was particularly happy with the new development of tilapia fish farming in Ika South Local Government Area, and called on youths in the area to avail themselves of the noble opportunities inherent in the business.
Ehiwarior decried the get- rich- quick syndrome of some youths, saying that fish farming was an appropriate means of making a sustainable living and creating significant wealth.
He disclosed that his administration was already making plans to reactivate the skill acquisition centre in the local government area to be used in training the youths in different skill sets.
The Local Government boss called on stakeholders and well meaning individuals in the area to partner the local government in the effort to build the youths for an assured greater future, even as he maintained that fish farming was a lucrative venture that could boost the local economy.
While congratulating the initiators of tilapia fish farming in the area, the Chairman urged them to design a programme that could help cement a partnership with the Local Government to create sustainable opportunities for youths in the area.
He assured that the local government would harness opportunities in every available platform to assist them in promoting their produce.
At the event, a representative of the Department of Fisheries and Acquaculture in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja, Mrs I. P. Okonji, promised the support of the Federal Government in boosting tilapia fish farming in the area, and also link up the farmers to the international market.
On his part, one of the initiators of tilapia fish farming in Ika, Mr. Dan Usifoh, said the event was to create awareness and interest among the people of Ika on the consumption of tilapia fish.
He appreciated the Federal Government, Ika South Local Government Chairman, Engr. Ehiwarior and the World Fish organization for their support and encouragement, noting that there were great investment opportunities in tilapia fish farming.
