Imo Govt employs 25,000 youths into Public Service

Governor Okorocha flagging off the official opening ceremony of the 'Youths Must Work programme' in Owerri

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has engaged Twenty-five thousand (25,000) youths of Imo State origin into the Public Service under a programme christened “Youth-Must-Work-Programme.”

While addressing the youths during  the official launch of “Imo Youth Must Work Programme” held at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri today, the State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that the programme is designed to provide  employment opportunities to youths in the State with the aim of  bringing about zero idleness among the youths.

He disclosed that the State government has approved N500 Million for the clothing allowances and 20,000 naira monthly stipend for the new employees to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

Members of the Imo State Civil Guard in a 'March Pass' before Governor Okorcha at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri.

Among the youths there are Agriculturists, Horticulturists, Engineers, Teachers and Accountants among other professionals.  Others are those engaged in the Imo Civil Guards, Imo Security Network and Imo Community Watch. He noted that the introduction of the “Imo Security Network/Community Watch” with the help of the security agencies has reduced crime in the State.

Okorocha expressed regret at the spate of insecurity in the country and appealed that no group or party should take advantage of the situation, rather every citizen and resident should join hands with the federal government to bring lasting solution to the security challenge.  He further enjoined Imo people to join in praying for the nation and rescue of the abducted Chibok school girls.

The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Kenneth Emelu, said that apart from the introduction of Youth Must Work Programme that the State government has engaged many youths into public and civil service job especially in education sector, security and renovation of Imo palm plantation.

Comrade Emelu said that the youth must work programme is aimed at engaging the youths gainfully for the benefit of the society and reminded the state government that most of the youths are trained in different skills.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and stressed the need for them to be serious with their jobs in order to complement the effort of the state government in reducing crime.

In an interview, the DG, Imo Civil Guard, Hon. Donatus Ejifugha expressed confidence that members of the civil guard would discharge their duties effectively especially in promoting the Imo My Pride Project.

Highlight of the ceremony were; match past parade by Imo civil guard, Imo security network, Imo community watch and presentation of flag to the state Governor by the DG, Imo civil guard as grand patron of the guard.

Those at the ceremony were; the wife of the governor, Lady Nkechi Okorocha, the Deputy governor of the Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere; the Speaker, Imo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu and some legislators, members of the State Expanded Exco, Traditional Rulers and a host of others.