By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The new chairman of Andoni Local Government in Rivers state, Mr. Erastus Awortu, has pledged to enrol 20 youths in the council area for a maritime training programme.
Awortu made the pledge in his address at a reception held in his honour on Saturday in Port Harcourt.
The council chairman said he was determined to have developmental programmes geared towards preparing the youth for gainful employment in the maritime sector.
“I have started exploring employment opportunities in the various oil companies operating in our areas.
“But, these companies have always complained that our youths lacked requisite skills.
“It is on this note that I have decided to train selected youths and arm them with necessary manpower in the maritime sector.
“I have had a preliminary discussion with a maritime institute where I intend to enroll no fewer than 20 trainees for the 2021/2022 academic session of the institute.
“We look forward to training 20 ship captains in the first two years of our administration,” Awortu said.
On criteria for selection for the training, he assured that it would be based on merit, adding that participants would be exposed to a competitive examination.
The new council head also announced the appointment of Mr. Dimiari Frankly as Secretary to the Council and Mr Talik Dandison as Chief of Staff.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that Governor Wike of Rivers had last Thursday inaugurated newly elected 23 local council chairmen.