Dr Kayode Fayemi’s Government in Ekiti State has reiterated his determination to harness abundant opportunities in the agriculture sector to tackle unemployment within the ranks of youths in the State.
The Director General of the Bureau of Employment, Labour and Productivity, Mr. Lanre Ogunjobi stated this at the 2019 Rural Employment Promotion Scheme by National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Ekiti State chapter.
Mr. Ogunjobi who advised youths in the state to take keen interest in Agribusiness and farming noted that the sector is abound with various opportunities which could help the youth overcome poverty and also enable them make meaningful contribution to the economy growth of the State.
He appreciated the NDE for taking a giant stride in its mandate by assisting youths and rural farmers in the state, especially the NDE trainees have access to the loans.
The Bureau Director General who observed that the loans will change the status of the youths from job seekers to job providers, advised the beneficiaries of NDE programmes in Ekiti State to make judicious use of the opportunity by using the loans for the purpose which it was disbursed.
Responding, Mr. Adeoye Olusegun who is the state co-coordinator said about 150 Ekiti youths who benefitted from the three NDE Rural Employment Promotion Schemes were given a start up grant ranging from #20,000 to #50,000.
In a related development, the Ekiti State Government has promised to revitalize Mat Weaving Business in the state to encourage self-reliance and thereby reduce the number of people seeking white collar jobs which are scarce nowadays.
The Director General, Bureau of Employment, Labour and Productivity, Mr. Lanre Ogunjobi stated this at a meeting with women who trade in mat weaving at Ogotun-Ekit, in Ekiti south West Local Government Area.
Mr. Ogunjobi who described Ekiti people as hardworking, resourceful, and rich in culture, noted that Ekiti State could become a World Tourist Centre if our potentials are fully tapped with an assurance that the government will not hesitate to empower any innovations that could lead to self-reliance.
Mr. Ogunjobi who was in company of the Director General of culture and Tourism Mr. Wale Ojo Lanre, inspected some of the products made from mat materials such as diary covers, Laptop bags, table mats, foot mats, hand fans, key holders, sandals among other which were on display at the forum.
Responding, the wife of the Ologotun of Ogotun-Ekiti, Olori Comfort Omolade Oyebade solicited the assistance of the State Government at revitalizing the Mat Weaving Business among women in the area.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
