RBI-Organization, an NGO, has said it will partner with the Rivers state Government through the Ministry of Youth Development to implement programmes and initiatives aimed at fostering Youth development, entrepreneurship and leadership in the state.
This was disclosed by Mr. Rufus Oba, Chairman of Rivers Bridge Initiative (RBI-Organization) in Port Harcourt, while delivering a Speech titled ‘Introducing RBI- Organization for Partnership, Empowering Youth and Building a Brighter Future.’
Mr. Oba, while speaking, noted that despite Nigeria having a large youth population, with 70% of the population under 30 and 42% under 15, young people are often marginalized from mainstream politics and decision-making.
Drawing from the positive impacts Nigeria youths are making globally, Mr. Oba said youths at home can also make giant strides when appropriate environment and opportunities are provided for them.
On behalf of RBI-Organization, Mr. Oba proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the Rivers state Government through the Ministry of Youth Development to develop policies and programmes to nurture and build good culture and to create a brighter future for the youths of the state.
The speech read in part;
“Dear Commissioner, may I on behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Management Team and the General Assembly of The RBI organization express our gratitude for the opportunity to visit with you and officers of your ministry on this momentous occasion. We have come with the purpose of introducing RBI-organization and initiate efforts at exploring potentials for a transformative partnership journey intended to empower the youths of Rivers State.
“Today, as we gather to explore potential strategic partnership between RBI-Organization and the Ministry of Youth Development, we aim at fostering a brighter future for the young people of our state. We however make it clear that we are not here to access power, seek contracts or any form of patronage that is typical of the fading tradition of unproductive past political behaviours. We want to be received on the table of discussing ideas, proposing policies and driving beneficial actionable programmes based on assessment of the resources we bring as a group and hope to combine with those of the Ministry of Youths with a view of creating greater values for the benefit of our people.
“The RBI-Organization is working on pulling together the best minds and value–forged characters, Rivers People have to offer into a center of high brain density, who are committed to creative and productive endeavours that focus on nurturing citizenship, growing democratic leadership, building democratic cultures, promoting good governance, and pursuing the welfare of Rivers people through economic development. We believe that by partnering with Government as intended in this visit, we can with the Ministry of Youth Development amplify our collective impact and create a brighter future for the youths of Rivers State.
“BACKGROUND:
Africa is home to over 420 million youths ages 15 to 35, accounting for 36% of the continent’s population. Unfortunately, many face significant challenges, including high unemployment rates, poverty, and limited access to education, healthcare and skills development opportunities. According to the African Development Bank, only 3 million jobs are created annually, leaving a staggering 12 million youths unemployed or underemployed. Furthermore, the World Bank reports that Africa’s youth population is expected to double by 2045, placing immense pressure on already strained resources.
“Nigeria has a large youth population, with 70% of the population under 30 and 42% under 15. However, young people are often marginalized from mainstream politics and decision-making processes. Additionally, there is a lack of reliable data on youths in Nigeria, which hinders the progress of youth development initiatives. Civic education programmes can empower youths to participate in politics and contribute to the nation’s development ⁴.
“Figures in Rivers State indicates that,
• Unemployment rate stands at: 35%
• Underemployment rate: 25%
• Employment rate: 40%
“On the educational end of the Demographics are:
• 60% of Rivers State youths aged 15-24 have a secondary education or higher
• 30% have a tertiary education
• 5% have no formal education
“COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS:
While the youth population in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, faces significant challenges, their counterparts in the West enjoy more favourable conditions. Access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities are readily available, enabling young people to thrive. However, the narrative changes when we look at the performance of Nigerians outside the continent.
“Reports indicate that Nigerians in the diaspora excel in various fields, including education, medicine, law, and business. According to the World Bank, Nigerian immigrants in the United States have a higher level of education and skills earning higher and demonstrating greater productivity, compared to the native-born population. Additionally, Nigerian entrepreneurs in the UK have created successful businesses, contributing significantly to the economy.
“These success stories demonstrate the potentials of Nigerian youths when provided with the appropriate environment and opportunities. It is crucial that we replicate this success within the continent, specifically in Rivers State, by creating policies and programs that foster youth development and empowerment.
“MISSION AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION:
At RBI-Organization, our mission is to empower the youths of Rivers State to become active participants in the development of their communities and the state as a whole. Our strategic direction for Youth Development is centered around five key pillars:
1. Education and Skills Development
2. Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment
3. Civic Engagement and Democratic Participation
4. Healthcare Access and Awareness
5. Cultural Exchange and Regional Collaboration
“By focusing on these areas, we aim to create a holistic and sustainable approach to youth development, equipping young people with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
“MoU PROPOSAL:
In view of the challenges posed by this huge gap in youth development, the focus of the Ministry, the alignment of aspirations at Global, Continental, National as well as State levels with the RBI organization, we propose a formal partnership with the Ministry, captured in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to jointly implement programmes and initiatives that foster youth development, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
“We can begin by putting our team of experts to work with a Team from the Ministry who can sit down, engage deeply, consult widely and develop actionable policies and programmes with measurable outcomes and impacts which we can sign off as a stakeholders driven effort to get all Rivers Youth involved in changing the prospects and landscape of Youth Development moving forward.
“Together, we can leverage resources, expertise, and networks to create a transformative impact in Rivers State and beyond.
“CONCLUSION:
Let us collaborate to empower the youths of Rivers State, promoting a culture of democracy, inclusivity, and sustainable development. We look forward to a fruitful discussion leading to potential effort for partnership, grounded in shared values and a commitment to building a brighter future for all,” he said.
In response, the Rivers state Commissioner of Youth Development, Hon. Chisom K. Gbali, PhD, thanked RBI-Organization for the Initiative and expressed the Ministry’s readiness for collaboration.
“We were able to come together with what is called ‘Preparedness plan for Rivers state; Paradigm from unemployability to resorcefulness’ and that we are going round the state to advocate, sensitize and reorientate the minds of Riverians.
“Perhabs, before now, there was ‘a lost hope’ that youths are only called upon during elections and they will muster them and give them little little things, and afterwards, relinquish them to the background,” the commissioner noted.
The commissioner equally revealed that the ministry has 102 trainers and two resource persons who have identified with the Ministry to engage youths in the three cardinal points the Ministry has towards youth development in the state which include skill acquisition, lCT and Entrepreneurship.
Also in attendance were Staff of the Ministry of Youth Development Rivers state, other government officials and members of RBI-Organization.
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