27,000 youths in Imo State are to benefit from the Federal Government Public Works programme.
774,000 youths drawn from the 774 local governments in the 36 states of the federation are to participate in the programme. Each participant is expected to be paid N20,000 monthly for engaging in public works.
Minister of State, Education, Hon Emeka Nwajiuba, who flagged off the programme held at the Ahiajoku International Covention Centre, Owerri, Monday, said the programme was designed by the Federal Government to cushion the rate of unemployment in the country in the face of Covid 19.
He added that the government has put in place all necessary measures to ensure the smooth and effective take off of the programme in the State, urging the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture of the Federal Government.
In his remarks, Imo State Selection Committee Chairman, Okenze Obinna, said the selection process was targeted at the youths in the State, stating that the State government has demonstrated ability to provide an enabling environment for the take off and success of the programme.
In her speech, the State Co- coordinator, National Directorate for Employment, NDE, Mrs Ngozi Iheanacho, said the NDE in the state is a tested agency of the Federal Government saddled with the task of implementing the programme. She assured that the agency has put in place measures, such as setting up various committees and appointing co- ordinators to oversee the success of the prgramme across the state.
The flag off was witnessed by Secretary to the State Government,Cosmas Iwu, who represented the State Governor, traditional rulers and other officials of government.