Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged his administration’s full support to collaborate with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to create jobs and empower youth and women across the state.
Governor Fubara made the pledge on Thursday when he received the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The governor said his administration would work closely with the NDE to ensure that the various employment and empowerment programmes of the Federal Government reach more people in Rivers State.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in promoting job creation through the agency deserved commendation and support from sub-national governments.
Fubara recalled a personal experience that underscored his confidence in the NDE, narrating how his cousin secured employment through the Directorate about 30 years ago in Port Harcourt without influence.
He described it as proof that transparent processes could change lives, even as he expressed optimism that the agency would continue to uphold fairness and merit in its programmes.
While acknowledging the current economic challenges, the governor stressed the need for renewed hope and determination, noting that Rivers State remains a strategic hub due to its sea ports, international oil companies, and growing population.
He expressed particular excitement about the three NDE farm centres mentioned by the Director-General and directed the State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Chisom Gbali, to obtain more details for the government’s follow-up.
Gov. Fubara also commended the Directorate’s focus on women empowerment, describing women as a vital but often overlooked group in the migration and development process.
He urged the NDE to work closely with the Ministry of Employment to ensure the state fully benefits from its ongoing and upcoming initiatives.
Governor Fubara proposed the establishment of a joint state-NDE team to strengthen coordination and enhance the effectiveness of their collaboration.
He highlighted his administration’s broader economic vision, referenced ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road in Andoni, which he said would unlock the blue economy and tourism potential of the state.
According to him, opening access to Oyorokoto, reputed as the largest fishing settlement in West Africa and the Ngo beach area would attract maritime investments and generate of jobs.
He added that true social stability comes when the less privileged have access to basic needs such as food, education, and shelter, warning that widening inequality could be dangerous for society.
Earlier in his remarks, Agara praised the governor’s open-door policy, which he said has fostered collaboration and progress.
The NDE boss explained that since assuming office in 2024, the agency has rolled out several phases of youth empowerment programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the training and engagement of over 90,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
He announced plans to train 500 additional youths from 12 local government areas in the coming weeks and to extend empowerment opportunities to persons living with disabilities.
The NDE, he said, is also implementing agricultural and technical skills training for women in rural areas, as well as underground welding training to prepare youths for oil and gas sector employment.
Agara expressed optimism that the agency’s skill acquisition and farm centres in Rivers State would be fully completed and equipped by 2026, adding that all its processes are ICT-enabled to ensure transparency and equal access.
He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to partner with the Rivers State Government to expand job creation initiatives, attract investments, and reduce unemployment across the state.