Edo State Government says job creation remain one of its policy thrust, adding that it was the only panacea to curbing crime, poverty and youth restiveness in the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Simon Imuekemhe, who stated this in Benin at a training programme for youths organised by I. O. Farms Training Institute, said with this initiative students will be self-employed upon completion of training as government will ensure that land was provided.

Imuekemhe said: “This is a great idea. When you have your own job and there is work for you to do, crime rate will drop. When you are established and you have your fish farm, what time will you have for any other thing or crime?

“When you talk about solving the problem of poverty, this is the solution. I assure you that the state government will take this training seriously and the issue of money to start your own farm is not a problem.

“I am sure you have all heard of FADAMA 3. Funds are provided through this for farmers who have formed themselves into co-operatives and the Governor had approved the state’s counterpart funding for this programme. The money is with the state Ministry of Agriculture.

“All you have to do is to train and form yourselves into co-operatives and the money will get to you.”