By Nawani Aboki, PhD
Unemployment is a dangerous disease affecting societies in Nigeria especially amongst youths. It has led to criminal actions and other social misdemeanors. The unemployment scenario is further worsened by the proliferation of tertiary institutions and the increasing number of unemployed university graduates and other tertiary institution graduates in Nigeria.
Nasarawa State is not different from other States in the country. During his campaign, Governor Abdullahi Sule promised to eliminate this hydra-headed problem in Nasarawa State, particularly amongst the youth who bear the greater burden of unemployment. Since assumption of office, Governor Sule has targeted unemployment with the resources at his disposal.
The overall strategic document for the development of the state-NEEDS was developed to give direction in the fight against unemployment in the state.In the public service, over eight thousand (8,000) teaching and non-teaching staff in secondary and tertiary institutions have been employed. Over 200 personnel officers were employed to boost the quality of work in the state civil service.
Additionally, 5,000 teachers are about to be employed in primary schools in the state. Another 1000 are soon to be employed under the AGILE project. This number is in addition to the several employments in various ministries, departments, and agencies in the state.Furthermore, the establishment of various companies such as Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, ASGARD Mining and Processing Plant, Karu, Azman Rice Ltd., Flour Mills of Nig. Plc., Dangote Sugar Company, the Nasarawa Technology Village Project, and Triacta, Bus terminal in Lafia and Karu among others, are projected to employ over 22,000 workers from the pool of unemployed youth in the state.
The new State Secretariat Complex and Flyover/Underpass projects are currently engaging over 5,000 workers in Lafia, and the number is rising. The exploration and exploitation activities of the Ebenyi-A Oil Well in Obi Local Government Area of the State is still ongoing and employing. In addition, 3000 casual workers were absorbed into the service.
Furthermore, several government project contracts are currently ongoing, employing youth across the State in carrying out menial or professional jobs. The vocational institute in Lafia is a support system established to prepare youth for skillful employment and service.
The vision is clear! James Osage is a junior staff converted from Casual to a full time Staff. He was one of the beneficiaries of the government action to reducing unemployment in the State.
“Long time dem promise us that we will join the service and they will permanent our job since ten years ago and now we thank Governor Abdullahi Sule as e give us this job May God bless him,” he said.
There are many of James’ colleagues who are excited by this singular gesture by Governor Sule. He is a man of vision and his love and commitment to the growth and development of the youth of Nasarawa State are unprecedented. Governor Sule reflects a passion for progress and love for the development of Nasarawa State.
When the youth are employed and working, there is peace, law and order, and hope for tomorrow. There is no doubt that a positive tomorrow is possible, and the Nasarawa State of our dream is realizable through a leadership that is firm, transparent, faithful, visionary, and prudent. That is Governor Sule: a promise keeper.
Dr Nawani Aboki, Special Adviser To The Governor of Nasarawa State On Media And Publicity
Peoplesmind
