Oscarline Onwuemenyi
10 June 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Federal government has announced plans to train about 100 youths from the Niger Delta region, as part of efforts to engage the youths in the face of resurgent militancy in the area.
The ministries of Niger Delta Affairs and Youths and Sports would oversee the training programme in partnership with St. Georges UK, which would see about 100 Niger Delta youths sent on scholarships to European countries for a programme tagged ‘Train and Engage.’
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Usani Usani, made the disclosure during an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, the ministry is set to address the major problems confronting the region including poverty and environmental degradation.
He said, “No fewer than 100 Niger Delta youths will be sent abroad for training as we have entered training agreements with various European institutions, including the United Kingdom, for that purpose.”
The Minister added that the trainees would be readily absorbed and constructively engaged upon completion of their studies abroad.
Usani said that the local content office of the Africa House in the UK had entered into a collaboration with the ministry to train the youths on NV Q Model Design.
“NV Q Model Design is to train the youths in oil and gas industry, need basis and youths from the Niger Delta will be given that special training,” he said.
The Minister further called on the restive youths of the region to put an end to the destruction of national assets and embrace peace, adding “we can together achieve much in peace than in war.”
The Federal Government is already in discussion with relevant stakeholders from the region on how to stop vandalism of oil pipes and other infrastructure in the region.