Date: 2014-05-30

Kwara State Government has earmarked N2.4b for the engagement of 8,200 youths over the next year one under its QuickWin Empowerment and employment scheme, as part of activities marking this year's Democracy Day.

Speaking while presenting letters of employment to over 5200 youths in the first phase of the program, the State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed said another N164million has been expended on the newly created Environmental Corps and the enhanced Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency (KWARTMA).

Ahmed said with the flag off of QuickWin, the State government has employed 10,200 youths in the last three years while additional 3,000 would be employed by the end of this year.

The Governor, who explained that the State government was not driven by political expediency or the euphoria of victory but the need to empower youths who make the largest component of the population, said over N640million revolving credit scheme has also been extended to 41,000 Small and Medium Enterprises as part of its entrepreneurship development initiative.

"As we launch QuickWin today, therefore, we are positively touching lives and putting thousands more on the path of sustained prosperity. The QuickWin Empowerment Scheme expands on the success of Kwara State Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABES) with a greater focus on entrepreneurship vocational skills and public works.

The Chairman of the QuickWin Empowerment Scheme and Secretary, to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold in his address said the beneficiaries of the QuickWin Intervention scheme will be deployed to agencies and initiatives such as Clean and Green progamme; Entrepreneurial skill acquisition; Environmental Corps; Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme; Kwara Road Transport Management Authority and Kwara Signage and Advertisement Agency.

Alhaji Gold added at a minimum of 200 enlistee will be gainfully engaged on a monthly basis until the target of 8,200 intakes is achieved.