Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to boost job creation and empower youth and women across the state.
Governor Fubara made the declaration on Thursday while hosting the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, and his team during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He emphasized that his government would collaborate closely with the NDE to ensure that Federal Government employment and empowerment programmes reach more Rivers residents, adding that such efforts are vital to tackling unemployment and promoting inclusive growth.
Governor Fubara commended President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to advancing job creation through the NDE, describing it as a step deserving of commendation and partnership from state governments.
Sharing a personal story that reinforced his confidence in the NDE, the governor recalled how his cousin gained employment through the Directorate about three decades ago in Port Harcourt, without any external influence. He noted that this personal experience remains proof that transparency and fairness in government institutions can transform lives.
Fubara expressed optimism that the agency would continue to uphold merit in its programmes, emphasizing that integrity in recruitment and empowerment processes is key to sustaining public trust.
While acknowledging the current economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, the governor stressed the importance of optimism and collective resilience. He noted that Rivers State remains a key contributor to the nation’s economy due to its sea ports, international oil companies, and expanding population.
Governor Fubara showed particular interest in the three NDE farm centres mentioned by the Director-General and directed the State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Chisom Gbali, to liaise with the NDE for further information to enable prompt government follow-up.
He also praised the agency’s strong focus on women empowerment, describing women as a “vital but often overlooked group” in social and economic development. The governor urged the NDE to work closely with the Ministry of Employment to ensure that the state maximizes the benefits of ongoing and future empowerment programmes.
Fubara further proposed the formation of a joint task team between the state and the NDE to improve coordination and strengthen the efficiency of their collaboration.
Highlighting his administration’s broader economic goals, he pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road in Andoni, which he said would open up the state’s blue economy and tourism potential.
According to him, improving access to Oyorokoto—known as the largest fishing settlement in West Africa—and the Ngo beach area would help attract maritime investors and create thousands of jobs.
Governor Fubara stressed that social stability can only be achieved when the underprivileged have access to food, education, and shelter, warning that growing inequality could pose a threat to peace and progress.
In his earlier remarks, NDE Director-General Silas Agara lauded Governor Fubara’s open-door leadership style, which he said promotes cooperation and progress.
Agara explained that since his appointment in 2024, the NDE has launched several phases of youth empowerment programmes under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, training and engaging more than 90,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
He announced that 500 additional youths from 12 local government areas in Rivers State would soon undergo training, with special provisions to support people living with disabilities.
Agara also disclosed that the NDE is implementing agricultural and technical skill acquisition programmes for rural women, alongside underground welding training designed to prepare youths for employment in the oil and gas industry.
He revealed that the agency’s farm and skill acquisition centres across Rivers State would be fully completed and equipped by 2026, noting that all operational processes are now ICT-driven to promote transparency and fair access.
The NDE boss reaffirmed the agency’s determination to deepen its partnership with the Rivers State Government to create more jobs, attract investments, and reduce unemployment.
What You Should Know
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s pledge to strengthen collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide job creation agenda.
The partnership aims to empower youths and women, promote skills training, and boost agricultural and technical employment across Rivers State.
