The Rivers State Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding sustainable employment and empowerment opportunities for youths across the State under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Chisom Kenneth Gbali, PhD, FNES.
This assurance was reiterated during a courtesy visit by Dr. Gbali to the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny, His Majesty King Edward Asemini Williams Dappa Pepple III, at the King Perekule Palace in Bonny.
The visit was aimed at seeking the Monarch’s counsel, partnership, and institutional support to strengthen engagement with multinational companies and other corporate entities operating within Bonny Kingdom.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Gbali said Bonny remains one of Nigeria’s foremost hubs for oil and gas activities and stressed that its vast economic resources must be leveraged to create meaningful employment opportunities for Rivers people. He said, “Bonny is central to the nation’s oil and gas industry, and these resources should translate into real jobs and empowerment for our people.”
The Commissioner expressed concern that Rivers youths, including those from host communities where multinationals operate, have historically been underserved in employment and empowerment initiatives. He noted that the Ministry is determined to reverse this trend through deliberate collaboration with traditional institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
In his remarks, His Majesty King Edward Asemini Williams Dappa Pepple III commended the Commissioner’s proactive approach. The Monarch said, “This partnership is a significant step toward inclusive economic growth, and I pledge my full support to the Ministry in delivering jobs for Rivers indigenes.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, Se-Alabo Ambassador Dagogo Soala Claude-Wilcox, applauded the initiative and stressed that employment generation must go beyond conventional methods. He called for creativity, innovation, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship development as key strategies for harnessing the talents of young people in emerging industries.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a souvenir by His Majesty to the Honourable Commissioner. The Commissioner was accompanied by a delegation of directors and senior officials from the Ministry.
