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The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Kolawole has assured that Governor Yahaya Bello would not delay assenting to the bill establishing a youth development commission in the state.
The speaker gave the assurance yesterday while fielding questions from newsmen at the advocacy roundtable dialogue on the bill in Abuja.
Hon. Kolawole who expressed optimism that the bill will see the light of the day said the governor has given youths opportunities to be actively engaged in running the affairs of the state by giving them key positions in his cabinet.
The speaker advised the youths to shun social vices and resist attempt to be used as thugs to wreck mayhem in the upcoming election and truncate democratic process in the country.
The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency, said the bill when it scales through would provide lasting solution to the problems of youth restiveness, create job opportunities and empower them to stimulate economic growth.
“The importance of this bill to the state government and the teeming youths of the state cannot be over emphasized. When assented to, it will develop and empower youths who will stimulate economic growth, create more jobs opportunities and boost on internally generated revenue, thereby making significant contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the state.
“It will reduce youth restiveness and social vices like armed robbery, kidnapping and prostitution”.
The lawmaker said the bill would bring about partnership between the state government and international donor agencies to fund youth development programmes in areas of capacity building, entrepreneurship, sports, agriculture and technology.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Eni Obi urged Kogi state government to fast track the passage of the bill, adding that the bill will give the youths the opportunities to contribute immensely to the development of the state.
Ene further maintained that the bill would help tackle the rising cases of unemployment in the state and give them a sense of responsility and commitment to the progress of the state.
Credit: Daily Trust
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