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AN ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE, DR. JOHN KAYODE FAYEMI AT THE NDE/EEDA

GRADUATION/EMPOWERMENT CEREMONY OF TRAINED YOUTHS UNDER THE RURAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

TRAINING SCHEME OF THE NDE HELD ON SATURDAY, 15TH OCTOBER, 2011

PROTOCOL

I am glad to be in your midst on this special and memorable occasion

of the graduation/empowerment ceremony of trained youths of the

Rural Agricultural Development Training Scheme of the National

Directorate of Employment in collaboration with the Ekiti State

Enterprise and Economic Development Agency.

This programme is both timely and critical particularly at this stage of

efforts at eradicating poverty across the country. War against poverty

cannot be fought individually. It is clear that the optimal contribution

of every citizen in this battle against poverty in the State is required in

order to meet our development targets.

As you are aware, the idea of National Directorate of Employment was

conceived to address the problem of unemployment among our

youths. It is on record that the Directorate, since inception, has been

able to design and implement various programmes on skills

 

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acquisition and job creation for the youths. This event is

one of the efforts.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I understand that these

graduates have undergone four (4) months training in 12 (twelve)

different Agricultural Skills on this farm site. I am delighted to hear

that this set has performed tremendously well in terms of attendance

and determination to excel.

I want to seize this opportunity to encourage our Youths to be

engaged in self-employed entrepreneurial activities instead of the

endless search for the illusive white collar jobs. I am sure the

graduates of today have gained tremendously during the training.

It is my hope that this programme has embolden you to face the

challenges of life more determined than ever before and each of you

would return to your various Local Governments with a renewed

vigour at self reliance in order to contribute your quota to the

development of our dear State.

I wish to commend the Coordinator of National Directorate of

Employment in Ekiti State who shares the laudable dream of this

Administration to eradicate poverty amongst our people most

especially the youths. I am sure that the NDE will continue to partner

with the state government in our efforts at reducing the rate of

unemployment significantly.

 

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I sincerely thank you all for being part of this

memorable occasion and

God bless.