By Bukola Olamona
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Ondo State Government has said that it has explored arrays of opportunities in entrepreneurial engagements which can help curb insecurity and unemployment in the nation.

The State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), made this known at the 46th  edition of Home Economics Teacher’s Association Conference held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Alagbaka, Akure, yesterday.

The conference has as its theme ” The role of home economics in education in addressing emerging challenges on security matters and employment in Nigeria through entrepreneurial activities “

The governor  who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Femi Agagu said when the youth are  gainfully engaged, they will have little or no time to venture into crime adding that ‘we cannot keep our youths idle”.

While welcoming the contingents from all the states in Nigeria,he posited that  Ondo state is blessed with an abundance of resources, ranging from human, minerals, forestry and aquatic to terrestrial.

He said virtually all the crops grown in Nigeria are supported by nature in Ondo State because of the fertility of the soil, saying what is required is the motivation and empowerment of the  youths to seize the opportunity to create their own jobs and become self reliant and productive.

According to him “government is working hard on the provision of an enabling environment for them to thrive, as many youths are now undergoing skill acquisition training, while funds are being provided through various Micro- Credit Schemes to set up small and medium scale business after the training”.

In her address, the National President, Hajiya Rabiat Ibrahim welcomed members of HETAN  to the conference saying the theme is apt considering what is happening in the nation.

While thanking God for improved peace in the nation despite the numerous political and social challenges been faced, praying that at the end of the conference they would be able to contribute meaningfully towards the economic and social growth and development of the country.

Earlier, the State President, Mrs Fadahunsi Agnes thanked the governor  whom she described as caring, supportive and understanding father.

According to her” whatever success that will be attributed to the conference ,it has been God and our God fearing ,loving governor”

She said the theme is a pointer to the fact that whatever goes on at home front has an effect on the relationship of the individual to his internal and external environment.

Fadahunsi  said the best means to mould and shape the life of an individual to meet and ride over the challenges of security, unemployment and growth in the larger society is during the developmental stages.

Some dignitaries were also given an award at the event.