The South South Development Commission has commended the Bayelsa State Government for its investment in technical and vocational education, describing the initiative as a model for other states in the region.
The commendation came during a visit by the Commission's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, and members of the board to the Government Science and Technical College, Swali, as part of activities marking the Commission's official visit to Bayelsa State.
Leading the delegation on a tour of the school, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, said the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, is committed to producing school leavers who are not only academically qualified but also equipped with practical vocational skills to become self-reliant.
Speaking after the tour, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, described the technical education initiative as impressive, noting that vocational skills would provide young people with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and help keep them off the streets.
Ms. Akpabio also commended the Bayelsa State Government for expanding technical education across the state's local government areas, adding that vocational training would help reduce insecurity and empower youths to drive the local economy.
She pledged the commitment of the South South Development Commission to partner with the Bayelsa State Government in extending the technical education initiative to other states across the South-South region.
The delegation inspected facilities at the ICT Centre, Block Laying Department, Welding and Fabrication, Catering, Electrical Installation, Garment Making and other departments.