Nathan Tamarapreye
Fred Agbedi, House of Representatives member, representing Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, has urged youths to contribute ideas to tackle challenges of unemployment, insecurity, low access to healthcare, and education.
Agbedi, a PDP lawmaker said this on Friday during a town hall meeting convened by Mr Ouseibai Godsgift, youth parliamentarian representing Bayelsa West at the Nigerian Youth Parliament in Sagbama town, Bayelsa.
The Reps member, who was represented by his Legislative Aide, Kevin Tawari praised the convener of the gathering for the thoughtfulness displayed in making input to solving problems in the constituency rather than resort to pessimism.
According to him, the effort was welcome and urged the youths of the district to always reach out to him through his constituency offices which are always opened to them to bring meaningful contributions that will foster development.
Agbedi further applauded Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for running a youth friendly administration obviously shown with the appointments given to youths in the prosperity administration.
Speaking also, Chief Ombu Okubokakpo Director General, Centre for Youth Development, Bayelsa State, highlighted policies of the state government targeted at youth development and urged the youths to take advantage of them.
Okubokakpo was represented by Mr Kemenanaibi Ogba, who explained the policies in employment generation, agriculture and restructuring the existing Bayelsa Volunteers and Vigilante group to engage more youths to help fight insecurity.
A participant, Mr Kings Tamarapreye advised the government to ensure youths of Etegwe community are engaged in curbing the incessant crimes recorded in the popular Tombia Roundabout area in Yenagoa.
Other speakers during the brainstorming session suggested regular engagements of youths with relevant skills to curb unemployment.
They suggested that the rate of multiple taxation by various groups should be checked so as not to discourage young people going into entrepreneurship.
They also called on drug regulatory bodies to check the high rate of drug abuse in the state which is also part of what has led to high rate of crime in the state.
Godsgift in his vote of thanks appreciated all the participants, charging them to continue to choose dialogue in pressing home their demands for a better society.
He also applauded the federal and state governments for giving youths their pride of place in the society by involving them in the decision-making process especially in issues affecting them.