THE Kogi State Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) has commenced the implementation of the Public Workfare (PWF) component of its programme for 4,404 youth in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration of the programme in Lokoja, the Head of the Public Workfare Implementation Unit, Mr Elkanah Oladipo, said the beneficiaries were drawn from nine local government out of the 21 local government areas of the state.
He said the beneficiaries were drawn from the three senatorial districts with each district being represented by three local government areas.
According to him, the beneficiaries were drawn from Ibaji, Dekina, Olamaboro, Okene, Okehi, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Yagba West and Yagba East LGAs using the Single Register of the poor and vulnerable earlier produced by YESSO.
Oladipo explained that the beneficiaries were between ages 18-35 and must fall within the categories of those without education at all and if educated must not be above JSS3.
He said the Public Workfare programme was designed to support the state government to provide immediate labour intensive work opportunities for unskilled youths from poor households, while each of the beneficiaries would be given stipends of N7,500 monthly.
He said the beneficiaries were expected to carry out public works in their various communities for three hours per day for a period of one year after which they would exit for others to come on board.
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Oladipo explained that the programme, which is being supported 90 per cent by the World Bank with 10 per cent counterpart contributions by the state government, would engage youth in public works such as construction and rehabilitation of community feeder roads; refuse collection and waste disposal, reforestation/forest guard among others.
According to him, the programme would increase the consumption rate of the poor and vulnerable; stem the tide of rural-urban migration; enhance maintenance of public infrastructures in communities; address the menace of social vices such as thuggery, robbery and also increase savings culture amongst the beneficiaries.
The commissioner for youth and sports development, Salisu Ogu, commended governor Yahaya Bello for releasing funds both for counterpart contributions for the PWF programme and for procurement of tools/kits for the beneficiaries.