Rochas pays N5bn for Youths empowerment, approves N20,000 monthly stipend for unemployed graduates in Imo

Students of Imo State University hail Governor Rochas Okorocha during his first official visit to the institution in June 2011. 

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has doled out the sum of 5 billion naira for the commencement of a ‘youth empowerment scheme’ in Imo State.

 Addressing thousands of youths at the Heros Square, Owerri on Monday during the launching a youths empowerment programme tagged 'Youths Must Work ', Governor Okorocha said that under the programme,100 youths will be trained as pilots in South Africa while another 200 will undergo entrepreneurial training  in Singapore.

Rochas Okorocha addressing thousands of unemployed graduates at the Heros Square, Owerri, yesterday (file photo)

In addition said the governor, unemployed graduates of Imo State origin will be paid monthly stipend of 20 thousand naira to sustain them until they gain employment.

He explained that youths from each of the 560 Communities in the State would form a co-operative society so as to access an interest-free loan from the 5 billion naira for integrated farm practice towards improving the economy of the rural communities.

He attributed the high rate of unemployment in the country to corruption, primitive accumulation of wealth and selfishness of some leaders.

The governor who lamented the level of corruption in Government establishments, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to visit the allegation of about 62 billion naira allegedly looted by ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim and his aides.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha promised to partner with the Imo State House of Assembly to enact necessary laws for the sustainability of the ‘Youths Must Work’ programme.

He also stated that the State will partner with business establishments and companies for possible deployment of the unemployed youths so as to engage them positively

He advised the youths to take good advantage of the programme by imbibing the spirit of honesty, sincerity and handwork.