Ngozi Obiachu, Umuahia
Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has expressed optimism, that the rate of youth unemployment in country would be crashed when the proposed Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP), comes on stream.
Onyejeocha who stated this in a meeting with Abia labour leaders, trade unions, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), among others, said millions of jobs would be created through the programme aimed at equipping youths with skills for self reliance.
She said that plans were at the final stage for the official launch of the programme, and urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of it to escape poverty and dependence on others.
According to her, LEEP will help tackle hunger, provide employment and empowerment for out of school children in the country.
Onyejeocha who said she was home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, assured workers that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu was committed to their welfare.
She promised that the new minimum wage would be regularly reviewed, describing workers as integral part of Government.
The former House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Aviation, further said that the Ministry of Labour and Productivity would follow up on every promise by President Tinubu to Nigerian workers to ensure they were fulfilled.
She thanked the leadership of CAN as well as Christians for their prayers for the country, and solicited their continued prayers for the government of President Tinubu.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Abia State chapter, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, thanked the Labour Minister for rembering Abia workers.
He pledged the support of the union for the government and pleaded with the Minister to help attract more democracy dividends for the state.
The Minister had earlier met with traditional rulers in the state where she enlisted their support for President Tinubu.
She also urged them to support Government’s efforts in promoting peace and security in the communities.