Makinde flags off FG’s employment programme

From Stella Obi, Ibadan

Oyo State Government has lauded the federal government's initiative for the establishment of the Extended Special Public Works (ESPW) programme targeted at addressing the unemployment challenge facing the country.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde gave the commendation during the flagging off of the programme in the state, held at Akinyele Local Government Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan, Tuesday.

Governor Makinde, who was represented by the deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan stated that the ESPW programme was a direct attack on unemployment.

The governor noted that the programme would go a long way in bringing succour to the 1000 beneficiaries from the local government and complement efforts of the state government in addressing the problem of unemployment.

 Makinde, who noted flaw in the selection process of the committee members said such should be corrected in future.

He also urged the beneficiaries to see the programme as an opportunity to contribute their quota to nation building and also improve their living standard.

In an address, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, represented at the occasion by Mr Olufemi Ajao, said the programme engaged 774,000 selected unemployed Nigerians across the 774 local government areas in the country.

Mr Keyamo added that the federal government would closely monitor the implementation of the programme to ascertain the efficient utilisation of every resource, human and materials, committed to the programme.

The Director-General of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mallam Nuhu Fikpo, who spoke through the NDE Coordinator in Oyo State; Mrs Olayinka Olayemi urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the federal government’s gesture by diligently executing their assignment throughout the duration of the programme.