Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to job creation and youth empowerment through a strong partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
Governor Fubara made this known when he received the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Ali Agara, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt. He emphasized that job creation remains at the center of his administration’s development agenda, describing it as a crucial step in reducing crime and promoting social peace across the state.
The governor explained that the collaboration with the NDE would help tackle the rising unemployment rate, especially as more people migrate from rural areas to urban centers like Port Harcourt in search of better opportunities. He urged closer cooperation between the NDE and the state’s Ministry of Employment to ensure that residents of Rivers State fully benefit from ongoing federal employment programs.
“Everybody is leaving the rural area for the urban area in search of a job. The only way we can help both groups is by creating opportunities for them,” Governor Fubara said.
He commended the NDE for its transparent and technology-driven approach, which provides citizens with equal access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. According to him, the agency’s efforts in supporting small businesses and improving skills development align with his administration’s goals of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
Governor Fubara also praised the NDE’s agricultural empowerment program for rural women, calling it essential in sustaining households where men have moved to urban centers. He said such programs strengthen food security and promote gender inclusion in rural economic activities.
Highlighting a major economic discovery, the governor announced the identification of a new shoreline at Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area. He described the discovery as a strategic asset for Rivers State’s emerging Blue Economy. “On our way, we discovered a new shoreline that is even more attractive and economically viable than Oyorokoto. We call it the Ngo shoreline… Just imagine the jobs and opportunities it will create,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed pride in this achievement, describing it as part of his administration’s legacy that will boost tourism, marine investments, and job creation.
In his remarks, NDE Director-General Silas Ali Agara commended Governor Fubara’s dedication to youth empowerment and economic development. He revealed that over ninety thousand young Nigerians have benefited from President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, with more than one thousand youths from Rivers State currently enrolled.
“Our programs are open and IT-driven. You don’t need to know anyone in NDE to benefit. We’re focusing on rural women and introducing new trainings, including underwater welding for oil and gas opportunities,” Agara said.