The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado, on Thursday, outlined the vision and roadmap of the ministry under his leadership.
He noted that the state government, through his ministry, is determined to promote human capacity development as well as drive economic and infrastructural development in the state.
The Commissioner made this known at an event organized by the ministry to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day.
Tagged “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways to Sustainable Development,” the event was held at the Dappa Biriye Hall, Golden Tulip Apartments, Yenagoa.
Kemepado said his ministry is ready to sponsor bankable plans put forward by Bayelsans as against superficial proposals “in the name of collecting money from the government.”
According to him, “Our mandate is to see how we can interact with Bayelsans across various sectors—be it agriculture, aquaculture, entertainment, or technology—to build capacity.”
He revealed that the ministry of youth development will partner with other relevant ministries to build the capacity of Bayelsa youths and drive rapid development in the state.
His words: “In our roadmap, we are looking at collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to see how we can build human capacity to take advantage of that space.
“We also have components of aquaculture, so we need to build youth capacity in collaboration with the Ministry of Blue Economy.
“Even in the area of the environment, there are issues of deforestation that must be met with complementary afforestation, so we have to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment.
“On the issue of technology, which is the new big thing, we will collaborate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to see how many youths can take advantage of that technological space.”
He added that the ministry will periodically hold similar events to assist in implementing its roadmap.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff, Government House, advised Bayelsa youths to look beyond politics, stressing that the development of the state lies with them.
“When you work on the head, you control other parts of the body. Development and change begin with using our heads.
“As Bayelsans, we have to change the way we think. The youths are the strength, future, and energy of Bayelsa State,” he said.
One of the speakers at the event, Pastor Ebizimor Diriyai, urged youths in the state to use technology, especially smartphones, to earn income and learn skills for the development of the state.
“Going to school is important, but you must also have skills. The government will only support viable ideas. Government will not dip its hands into its pocket and dash you money,” Diriyai admonished.
Speaking with our reporter shortly after the event, a participant and lecturer at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Mr. Clinton Areprekumo, commended the youth development ministry for organizing the event, describing it as “engaging and fruitful.”
Areprekumo, who affirmed that Kemepado is a leader who matches words with actions, also expressed his belief in the Commissioner’s ability to change the narrative.
