AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN, OGU/BOLO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,
HON. BARR. VINCENT NEMIEBOKA.
22ND JULY 2021
Honourable sir,
Congratulations on your one month in office.
In the last weeks since you resume office, we have witnessed what will hopefully be the start of major changes in our dear LGA. This, I believe is a result of your proactive steps and constant consultation, intending to touch many aspects of the LGA.
Again, I would like to acknowledge your responsiveness in decoding opinions and working actively to implement them.
Mr. Chairman, I am writing this letter to suggest what I think will benefit the youths of Ogu/Bolo Local Government as it their Development.
Without fear or favor, also, concerning the youths, I would like to state here, that the problem of youth's restiveness is not a result of unemployment, or to put it better, the problem of Ogu/Bolo Youths is not the absence of Job opportunities.
This is based on my in-depth research. My statement here may seem controversial, so I'll be more elaborate.
If we make jobs available, are the youths qualified enough, well equipped, well exposed, and having the requirements of the job?
Very few will say YES,
and the majority will say NO. if we take a critical analysis of our local government, we will discover that 7 out of 10 youths of Ogu/Bolo LGA are living without a skill.
This is worrisome and largely contributes to the restiveness and joblessness, we experience in our local government.
Mr. Chairman, with the high rate of unemployment around the world and Ogu Bolo inclusive, Youth Development is the only alternative means, to solve the lingering menace of unemployment in Ogu/Bolo LGA.
Profounding solutions, I will recommend two major Vocational rehabilitation
1. Digital skill.
Research has it that, the majority of young people across the world, are more exposed to Digital skills. If Ogu/Bolo Youths, are found in this space, it will be a milestone achievement for all of us.
The digital age is expanding into all areas of our lives, and it has gone behind having only those in IT interested in this space.
2. Industrial training
Industrial training is another potential opportunity, that will expose youths to the real world.
Below are some of its objectives
2a. To develop skills in the application of acquired knowledge to practical work situations.
2b. To develop skills and techniques that apply to their careers.
2c. Internships will increase the Youths sense of responsibility and instill good work habits in them.
2d. Industrial training will expose the youths to the real work environment, allow them experience and gain knowledge in report writing.
2e. Industrial training will d the strengths of the youths, instill teamwork in them, and groom their self-confidence.
2f. Industrial training will enhance youth's ability, and improve their creativity.
2g. Industrial training will also build good communication skills in the youths, and expose them to the ethics of the workplace.
On this note, Mr. Chairman, I am appealing that you channel your attention to Youth Development and Capacity building This will equip the youths with the necessary apparatus to undertake opportunities that may arise now or in the nearest future.
Furthermore, we've lost a lot of opportunities owing to the absence of skilled personnel. This is reflected in the employment statistics at the free zones, I am a victim.
Apart from working for an entity, the benefits of skill acquisition are enormous.
-It provides self-confidence
-Self-employment
In the words of President Buhari, 202
"There is no more Vacancy, virtually every department is filled. The same thing in the state and local Government"
This may sound funny or perhaps controversial, but it's a simple truth. And am sure it does ring a bell.
There is a Spanish proverb that says "A restful old age is the reward for a youth well spent"
Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, I will advocate for the creation of an institution that can provide us with the necessary pieces of equipment, for skills development.
Mr. CHAIRMAN, I am looking at Ogu/Bolo Vocational center or Ogu/Bolo Skill Acquisition Center.
Something different from what was built by Sir. Hon. Victor Alabo during his time as Chairman.
In summation, we can not completely fight restiveness amongst the youths but we can try to reduce it by changing the perceptions and beliefs of the youths.
If we do this, we will not only have reformed Youth but Youth that will contribute to the development of the LGA.
I look forward to a positive response.
Thank you, sir,
Yours truly
Michael Sparkolity
