Rivers State Calls for Rotary Partnership to Mentor Youth and Curb Social Vices
In a significant appeal for collaborative social investment, the Rivers State Government has urged the Rotary Club of Nigeria to deepen its partnership by launching targeted youth mentorship initiatives aimed at steering young people away from crime and unproductive behaviors.
A Strategic Appeal for Youth Development
The call was made by Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the 2025 All-Nigeria Rotary Conference, held at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor framed the partnership as a crucial step towards helping youths realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
This move signals a strategic shift by the state government towards leveraging established civic organizations to address core socio-economic challenges, particularly youth restiveness.
Beyond Mentorship: A Multi-Faceted Partnership
Governor Fubara’s proposal extends beyond conventional mentorship. He explicitly urged Rotary districts to support the government in:
- Leadership Development: Cultivating the next generation of ethical leaders.
- Value Reorientation: Directing youthful energy towards positive, value-driven endeavors.
- Peace Advocacy: Serving as mediators and advocates for ethnic and religious tolerance.
This multi-pronged approach underscores a recognition that youth empowerment is intrinsically linked to broader societal stability and economic growth.
Port Harcourt: A Peaceful Venue for National Discourse
The choice of Port Harcourt as the conference host was strategically highlighted by the state government. Governor Fubara described Rivers State as “one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and welcoming destinations,” using the event’s presence as a testament to its improved security and business-friendly environment.
This narrative is vital for a state actively working to rebrand itself and attract tourism and investment, countering perceptions of instability in the Niger Delta region.
Recognition and Reciprocal Commitment
The symbiotic nature of this proposed partnership was further cemented when the Rotary Club of Nigeria honored Governor Fubara with the Peace Advocate Award for his commitment to sustaining peace in the state.
In his remarks, the host District Governor, Anthony Woghiren, reinforced the commitment, stating the conference aimed to “deepen our impact and prepare for greater possibilities ahead.”
The Bigger Picture: A Model for Civic-Government Collaboration
This appeal from the Rivers State Government represents more than a single partnership. It illustrates a potential model for how sub-national governments in Nigeria can collaborate with vast, well-organized civic networks like Rotary to achieve developmental goals.
By tapping into Rotary’s grassroots presence and trusted reputation, the government can amplify its reach in critical areas like youth engagement and peace-building, potentially achieving outcomes that are more difficult through state apparatus alone.
This report is based on information originally published by The Tide News Online.