From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr Jerry Ehiwarior has emphasised the need for government to partner the organised private sector to create job opportunities for unemployed youths.
Ehiwarior made the call at the weekend while speaking as a special guest at a ceremony organised by Ika Fish Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd in Agbor.
He stressed the urgent need for all critical stakeholders to partner the local government to find lasting solutions to rising unemployment and its attendant evil consequences on the society, through the creation of sustainable job opportunities for youths.
He said he was particularly happy with the new tilapia fish farming in Ika South Local Government Area and called on youths to avail themselves of the noble opportunities inherent in the business.
Ehiwarior decried the get-rich-quick syndrome of some youths, saying fish farming is an appropriate means of making sustainable living and creating significant wealth.
He disclosed that his administration is already making plans to reactivate the skills acquisition centre in the local government area to be used in training youths on different skill sets.
The council boss called on stakeholders and well meaning individuals in the area to partner the local government in the effort to build youths for a greater future, even as he maintained that fish farming is a lucrative venture that could boost the local economy.
While congratulating the initiators of tilapia fish farming in the area, the chairman urged them to design a programme that could help cement partnership with the local government to create sustainable opportunities for youths in the area.
He assured that the local government would harness opportunities in every available platform to assist them in promoting their produce.
At the event, a representative of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja, Mrs I. P. Okonji promised the support the federal government to boost tilapia fish farming in the area and also link farmers to the international market.
On his part, one of the initiators of tilapia fish farming in Ika, Mr Dan Usifoh, said the event was to create awareness and interest among the people on the consumption of tilapia fish.
He appreciated the federal government, Ika South Local Government chairman and the World Fish Organisation for their support and encouragement, noting that there are great investment opportunities in tilapia fish farming.
