By Evelyn Usman

The Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, FOSSCCIMA is set to address the social ills confronting youths in the Niger Delta region of the country, with a special concentration on drug abuse.

From left: Vice President, FOSSCCIMA, Chief Preye Ogriki; President , FOSSCCIMA, Mr Billy Harry; Founder/President Silec Initiatives/Foundation, middle Mr Sunny Irakpo; secretary,FOSSCCIMA, ,Christopher Ushie and Jesse Imonirioma Teamsilec

To this effect it is partnering with SILEC foundation an anti-drug advocacy group which primary role is to address social vices across Nigeria in particular and the globe in general.

In his presentation on ‘ Strategic Movement in Tackling Social Vices in the Nigeria Delta Region- particular interest on youths’, the founder/ President, SILEC foundation, Mr Sunny Irapko, explained that sensitisation/seminar programmes , as well as rally would be held to create awareness during the period .

Shortly before signing the partnership deeds and Memorandum of Understanding with FOSSCCIMA, Irakpo highlighted the proposed activities lined up towards achieving the aim to include: “ entertainment events tagged SAYNOTODRUGABUSE, an awareness creation concert with prominent Niger Delta artistes like Alibaba, Seyilaw, Mc Aboki,Mayor, Sammie Okposo, Igos of Wazobia and Sunny Irakpo D.Silec ; Agriculture project known as Silec Project- plant Cassava and NOT India hemp ; Youth empowerment programs in skills acquisition such as barbing,fashion design, hair dressing and seminar on save our youths,save our economy, with Niger Delta region in focus; Culture and Language preservation concert to promote our rich cultural heritage to young people and also promote and provide unique platform for youths with talents in the Niger Delta region. These are part of events to help tackle drug abuse problem in the Niger Delta region.”

in addition, Irakpo , disclosed plans to erect a rehabilitation centre and empowerment centre where he said Niger Delta youths would be taught various skills acquisition, empowerment  and value reconnection programmes, with a view to developing the region economically , even as he advised youths in the region to shun any form of social vices especially drug abuse that could bring disgrace and reproach to their families in particular and the community and the nation in general.

He said: “ If given the needed support from government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals , we are ready to give Niger Delta youths a sense of livelihood and economic empowerment as the foundation plans  to take the campaign to all nooks and crannies of the region with the present support of FOSSCCIMA as soon as possible.”

Responding, president, FOSSCCIMA , Billy Harry noted that it was time to give the region the necessary attention, with a view to saving the lives of the youths

Expressing satisfaction at the ability of the SILEC to deliver the mandate, Harry noted that so far its campaign had gained recognition with evidence of its positive impact in Nigeria.

He said : “ The issue of drug abuse should be taken very serious by government , if we must save Nigeria and her youths from total destruction. FOSSCCIMA will help SILEC with the necessary network in order to sustain the vision for Nigeria especially the Niger Delta region, on a long term basis through Public Private Partnership . I have no doubt that this programme will keep SILEC Initiate busy, since the area concerned is such that is needed to be given urgent attention , that will project it to the local and international world.

“ This signing of partnership deeds and Memorandum of Understanding gives SILEC Initiatives and Foundation an automatic platform by FOSSCCIMA to support and launch out massively for prospective sponsors for SILEC Foundation.

Also in his remark, the Vice president, FOSSCIMA, Chief Preye Ogriki, described SILECC founder’s presentation as detailed and comprehensive, adding that the foundation was informed about the course it was about to pursue. He also expressed optimism that the aim of the project would be achieved at the end of the day if the highlighted programme by the foundation was followed to the latter.

On his part, FOSSCCIMA’s Secretary, Christopher Ushie, said: “ I am very proud that a Niger Delta son is championing a project of this nature. I hereby call on governments at all levels, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians particularly from the Niger Delta region, to rise up and help fix the challenges confronting the region”.