The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said that his administration is working to address the unemployment crisis in the state by liaising with Federal Government agencies and other partners.
Adeleke, who maintained that opportunities exist in the state for job seekers, revealed that several measures to address the development have been put in place by his administration.
The governor made this known at the Careers and Employment Opportunity Fair organised by the Ministry of Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations in collaboration with federal agencies domiciled in the state on Thursday, in Osogbo.
Represented by the state’s Head of Service, Samuel Aina Ayanleye, Adeleke said the job fair is one of the many initiatives of his administration to open up the job market, create enabling environment and ensure the engagement of thousands of unemployed youth.
While commending the huge federal presence in the state, Adeleke however said his government is doing more to address the unemployment crisis.
“As a Government we are determined to address the unemployment question through multiple approach. The Job Fair is only a starting point to exploit opportunities across federal establishments domiciled In the state. Job fairs are potent platforms but our government is doing more than that.
“Part of our employment agenda is to deepen the state economy by encouraging agro-industrial activities among the young and the old. Diversifying the economic base of the state possesses the potential to meaningfully engage our youth.
“Additionally, we are pursuing the localisation agenda in our project implementation. This policy is building the capacity of local contractors and local businesses to employ more indigenes in the construction industry.
“Localisation not only strengthen local economy, it imparts technical skill in the local population which increases the employability of our population.
“More importantly, our government is working on a programme of match making between young entrepreneurs and financial institutions. Details of this will be unveiled in the upcoming series named ‘Engagement With Osun Young Professionals’. The Policy Integration Unit in my office Is working on this particular plan.”
Adeleke however encouraged the youths and generality of job seekers to improve their skills, both for self employment and employability.
“We must move beyond our paper qualifications to skill acquisition,” he noted.