Saraki Launches Youth Empowerment Programme
Senate President, Bukola Saraki has formally launched his youth empowerment programme in Ilorin, Kwara state. The programme is expected to provide 40,000 direct jobs for the youths in various vocation.
Speaking at the event yesterday, Saraki said the scheme became imperative in the face of current economic situation in the country.
“Every time I come home and meet with my constituency, I feel the pain and difficulties of the youths. They keep on complaining that there is no job, no food on the table and so on.”
“It is against the backdrop of the economic recession in our country, the difficulty that people are going through particularly the youths that account for about 70 million of our population, of which 50% are unemployed, that we initiated this scheme.”
He charged political leaders in the country to empower the youths to be job creators. This is in order to reduce the high unemployment rate in the country.
“It is also my hope that from today, different leaders from all parts of the country will emulate what we are doing and play their role by creating opportunities for our youths.”
He further urged the state government to continue to make the youth empowerment the main trust of its administration.
On ‘Made In Nigeria’ Products
The senate president also stressed the need for for made in Nigeria products. He said this was in line with his firm belief and advocacy for patronage of home made goods.
“This is the reason 8th Senate passed the law that has become the talk of the town ‘made in Nigeria’ products.”
“It is our belief that made in Nigeria products will create opportunities for Nigerians who have products and services and enable them find market.
Saraki further challenged leaders to develop future oriented technology, training and employment schemes. This is to integrate the younger population into the nation’s economy.
“We must think out of the box. These are challenging times for us as leaders and we must contribute our quotas for the empowerment of the youths.”
The event is graced by Kwara state Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed. Others present include some federal lawmakers and stakeholders in the state.
