With a view to improving the conditions of youths as well as the need to implement National Youth Policy, Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Prince Ohia Obi has called on Stakeholders in the state to render assistance towards the implementation of the National Youth Policy.
Obi, who disclosed this during a courtesy call by a coalition of youth groups under the aegis of Youth Development Cluster, hinted that the state was prepared for the implementation of the policy.
According to Obi, he noted that the effect of it can only be felt when relevant stakeholders make their input; adding that the policy would not only be implemented but would rather be rewritten to set the peculiarities of the state.
In another development, while expressing sadness over the absence of a youth law in the state, Obi, stated that civil society organisations (CSOs) would be required to drive the implementation of the law.
Responding, Dr. Mina Ogbanga of the Centre for Development Support Initiative (CDSI), stated that core target of CDSI as one the organizations at the forefront of the programme, was to set a high standard of life for the youths which serves as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme; assuring that the organization was ever ready to work with the ministry to see that the major aim of the programme is achieved.
In their various views, Chamberlain Etukudoh and Kingsley Atang revealed that the cluster, which is made up of 10 civil society organisations was formed to implement the National Youth Policy in states across the country; adding that
the organisation has put in its best to ensure things doesn’t go again.
According to them, having seen Rivers State as one of the key states in the South- South Zones stated that the organisation was engaging Rivers State for the exercise as the cluster was being supported by USAID.
They noted that through sensitisation and enlightenment, the ministry can support the groups.
