The Kogi State government has expressed its readiness to offer empowerment opportunities that would enable youths in the state to embark on small scale businesses to cushion the effect.
The special adviser to Governor Yahaya Bello on Security, Jerry Omadara gave the assurance while speaking at the launch of Titilayo Empowerment Foundation held at Takete in Mopa/Amuro local government area of Kogi State.
He praised the initiative of the chief press secretary to Bello, Mr Kingsley Fanwo to embark on the empowerment foundation in memory of his late mother, Titilayo Fanwo.
Omadara expressed the state government’s worry over the high rate of unemployment in the state, which, according to him, has given room for sharp increase in crime wave in recent times.
He also expressed the hope that with the ongoing reforms in the state civil service, a lot of vacancies would be created to absolve young graduates in place of the ghost workers that had been flushed out of the system.
The special adviser used the forum to warn against youth restiveness as government and its security agencies are prepared to deal decisively with trouble shooters and criminal elements in the state.
The foundation has so far empowered 42 youths of which 11 persons were offered scholarships to further their education while others were given sewing machines, grinding machines, barbing saloon equipment and hair dressing machines.
The founder of the empowerment programme, Mr Kingsley Fanwo said he was moved by the philanthropic lifestyle and charity of his late mother, Titilayo Fanwo. He said the best way he could immortalise her is to carry on with her legacies of love and selfless service to humanity.
Fanwo also attributed his inspiration to Governor Yahaya Bello’s new direction agenda which calls for sacrifice in giving hope to the lives of the poor and vulnerable citizens of the state.
