Ekiti State Government has earned a new partnership with the World Bank to generate no fewer than 40,000 youth employment in the next five years.
The State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi made this known on Monday while launching an 18-Community Development Plan (CDPs) of the State Community and Social Development Agency (EKCSDA) in Ado Ekiti.
Dr. Fayemi disclosed that the close working relationship of the State Government with the Bank based on his administration’s efforts to eliminate poverty got the State the new employment-driven partnership.
He added that the State is expected to generate the 40,000 employment in phases within five years under the new arrangement tagged “Youth Empowerment Strategy” (YES).
While noting that the Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP) will close by the end of the year as a result of the expiration of the agreement between the Bank, Ekiti State and Federal Government, the Governor announced the willingness of the World Bank to extend the CSDP programme in Ekiti State following its effective implementation in the State.
Fayemi who described EKCSDA as a key component in his drive to ensure rapid and all-round development of the State, stressed that the State Government would not relent in its determination to continue the “worthy partnership” with relevant agencies and bodies to realise the goal of his administration.
The Governor added that it is the duty of his administration to make sure that everything is done to make EKCSDA perform its responsibilities creditably and in line with the World Bank directives; saying that the provision of basic socio-economic infrastructure is a major plank of his administration’s 8-point agenda.
While congratulating the 18 benefiting communities , Governor Fayemi urged them to make judicious use of the fund ; adding that all Traditional Rulers, community leaders of the benefitting communities and local government officials must ensure they perform their roles in seeing to the thorough implementation of the projects.
He commended the Local Government Areas which have kept to their promises of supporting CSDP in Ekiti State and reminded all Councils to ensure that the projects particularly Health Centres are adequately staffed and equipped to achieve the expected outcome.
Last modified: March 5, 2013