NEPAD Coordinator to embark on advocacy to states

NEPAD Coordinator to embark on advocacy to states

NAN-H-61

Awareness

By Lizzy Okoji

Abuja, March 1, 2017 (NAN) Mrs Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), says she will embark on an awareness tour to all states of the federation this month.

She made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at two-day Development Cooperation Skills Initiative Training workshop for youth empowerment organised by NEPAD Nigeria and NEPAD Continental.

Akobundu said that the aim of the tour is to re-launch NEPAD programmes in Nigeria and take its mandate to the door step of those at the grassroots.

According to her, this will help reintegrate the States and Local Governments into the numerous programmes of the government, NEPAD Continental and the African Union Commission (AUC) to be implemented by NEPAD Nigeria.

She said the programme would also work with relevant government agencies and development partners in facilitating NEPAD projects.

“The mandates of NEPAD are very clear and it is very important to sensitise those in the states and local governments of our various programmes and take them along.

“We have dispatched letters to all the State Governments on the days we are visiting so that they can invite stakeholders, the youths and women from the local governments to be sensitised.

“This would help bridge the gaps, create synergy of NEPAD programmes across the tiers of government and work hand in hand with our target groups,’’ Akobundu said.

However, she called on state governments to identify with the National programmes of NEPAD and let the national office know the areas they need support.

She urged participants and prospective beneficiaries to make the best of the trainings, key into relevant vocations and work develop themselves.

Akobundu said the target of NEPAD in addition to vocational skills acquisitions for youths is also to produce employable youths in the country. (NAN)

LIZ/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola