Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said his administration is in partnership with Google to train 10,000 youths in Information and Communication Technology across the state.

Mr Alia stated this on Tuesday in Makurdi during his broadcast in the state.

He said his administration was partnering with Google to take Benue youths out of the street by training 10,000 of them in ICT.

He also urged the youth who are involved in criminal activities in the state to lay down their arms, embrace peace and choose the right paths.

He said drug abuse, cultism, internet fraud popularly known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ and other social vices were a cankerworm he would never allow them to indulge in.

“We understand that the development of our youths is a panacea for the development of Benue State. This is why we have embarked on several initiatives aimed at empowering you and creating opportunities for your growth. In partnership with Google, we have commenced the training of 10,000 youth in Information and Communication Technology . This initiative is designed to equip you with the skills needed to compete in the digital economy, opening doors to endless opportunities. Very shortly, some youths of the state will be participating in the UN Volunteer Scheme, which our administration has collaborated with the United Nations to sponsor.

“We are also constructing a fashion hub, a space where creativity meets opportunity. This hub will not only encourage creativity but also create jobs with a view to fostering a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs from Benue,” he said

Mr Alia maintained that the youth of the state constituted over 60% of the entire population and were the pendulum upon which his administration swung.

(NAN)