The Moro’a Development Association (MDA), Manchok, on Sunday appealed to the Federal Government to give priority to rural youths in the implementation of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme.
Mr Jerry Bonet, National Youth Leader of the socio-cultural group in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State, made the appeal in an interview.
The programme, supported by UNDP, is aimed at getting job placements for 20,000 unemployed graduates who have completed the compulsory NYSC scheme.
Bonet commended the Federal Government and the UNDP for the initiative, stressing that it would go a long way in reducing unemployment and poverty among youths and also boost productivity.
“I appreciate the Federal Government and the UNDP for this great initiative to reduce unemployment, poverty and insecurity by equipping youths with necessary skills and connecting them with job opportunities.
“I, however, appeal that the Federal Government should give priority to rural youths who schooled through thick and thin with little or no external support.
“This will ensure inclusion and will help address the high level of poverty in rural communities which had been caused by lack of employment opportunities.
“The government should also seek more collaborations towards increasing the number of targeted youths for increased coverage,’’ Bonet said.
He called on youths, particularly those in the rural areas to take advantage of the opportunity and apply at https://www.njfp.ng/apply.
He also called on the private sector to support the laudable effort by opening their doors to absorb successful applicants and mentor them in their areas of interest.
“This is crucial to the success of the programme because the government alone cannot provide jobs for the increasing number of unemployed youths in the country,’’ Bonet said.
The programme aims to equip Nigerian graduates with practical knowledge and relevant skills for a 12-month period, with or without job experience, thereby connecting them with local job opportunities.
The skills sets include Information and Communications Technology, financial services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, mining, telecommunications, creative industries and technology, education, health, research, and development.