NAN-ND-2
Development
By Lizzy Ikuru
Port Harcourt, Nov. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Andoni Youth Coalition (AYC), has said that it would partner with stakeholders in order to develop communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers.
The group’s pioneer president, Mr Mkpon Ijonama, made this disclosure in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sideline of the inauguration of the group’s executive in Port Harcourt.
Ijonama said the decision became imperative as the government and corporate bodies did not provide social amenities to the communities despite their contributions to the nation’s economy.
“We are worried that Andoni Local Government Area still lacks basic social amenities in spite of the enormous natural resources being tapped from there.
“It is saddening that the communities, which are few kilometres away from Port Harcourt, still do not have a bank and electricity supply, which could aid small and medium scale enterprises.
“These factors explain why the youth came together to form the AYC in 2014 with a aim of providing a united front to contribute to the development of the area.
“So far, we have successfully interfaced with the companies operating in the communities and this has provided job opportunities to more than 80 indigent youths of the area,” he said.
Ijonama said that some fishing settlements in the area, if properly harnessed, could become the hub for small and medium scale fish businesses in the state and the region.
He said the group would liaise with the oil companies operating in the area to carry out their corporate social responsibilities effectively.
Ijonama urged the youth in the area to support the AYC leadership to enable it carry out its programmes, which were aimed at tackling unemployment and infrastructure deficit. (NAN)
LMI/EMO/YEMI
Edited by Ejike Obeta/Yemi Idris-Aduloju