Edo State Government will partner with the United Nations Development Programme to tackle Corruption and youth involvement in fraudulent practices which has given the state a bad image.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Andrew Adaze Emwanta disclosed this during a visit of a consortium of organizations working with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP to his office in Benin City yesterday.
According to the Commissioner, the state government is very much concerned with the immediate challenge, which is the spate of youth involvement in internet fraud and every effort are being made to make Edo State uncomfortable for internet fraudsters.
“The governor has taken this as a matter that is very dear to his heart and there are ongoing conversations on this with the relevant agencies.
“Instead of using their God given talents for ventures that will bring economic prosperity to the state rather they use it to give us a bad image, globally” he added.
Hon Emwanta noted that the other arm of the Ministry which is Orientation when it is set up soon will give young people a new orientation, to make them understand that the benefits of using the internet are enormous.
According to him, most of the people they defraud are potential investors and since Edo is the heart beat of the nation we want to start the new narrative of informing this young people on the importance of developing their potentials
Earlier, the programs manager for Africa, Open Contracting Partnership, UNDP, Andidiong Okon said this is their initial visit to the state on a project assessment to deploy Technology in addressing corruption and ensuring sustainability in the reforms and procurement laws which Edo State is already implementing.
“The project will be embarked upon in twenty four months to strengthen and engage civil society organizations and the Ministry of Communication and Orientation will play a key role in publicizing the activities to bridge the gap between the government and the people” she added.