The Kwara State Government says it attaches great priority to addressing unemployment in the State.

The State Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira, stated this on Thurday in Ilorin while receiving the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Kunle Obayan, during a courtesy call in his office.

Elder Kisira, who noted that apart from the issue of security and the financial difficulties facing the State, youth unemployment was another issue receiving Government’s attention.

The Deputy Governor explained that the State Government was working hard to address the trend with its various youth empowerment programmes. He charged the Directorate to be alive to its responsibility and work towards reducing the rate of unemployment in the Country.

Elder Kisira praised the efforts of the NDE in initiating various programmes, adding that the State Government would continue to play its part to meet the need and yearnings of the people.

Also Speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, said the State was one of the eight that have completed its part as far as the YESSO programmes are concern, which was basically a Community Based Scheme. Advertisement Earlier, Obayan had appreciated the developmental efforts of the State Government and the peaceful co-existence in the State.

Obayan also praised the State Government for the establishment of Skill Acquisition Centres in the three Senatorial Districts of the State, Cultural Heritage and the training of youths in various empowerment programmes among others.

He stated that the Federal Government has obtained financial assistance from the World Bank to support the implementation of YESSO, a robust initiative aimed at assisting the youths from poor and vulnerable households in the Country to access increased opportunities for employment and social service delivery.

Obayan said the State in collaboration with the NDE commenced the process of drafting a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture towards the successful implementation of the Skill for Job component.

The Director General called on the State Government to expedite action on the signing of the MOU, which had received no objection from the World Bank to enable the State benefit from the offer.