Jalingo – The Taraba Government said it was partnering with the World of colours, to bring its youth together and empower them.
World of colours is a firm that organises beauty pageant.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr James Gani, made this known at the 2016 Most Handsome Taraba and Miss Taraba beauty pageant in Jalingo on Saturday.
Gani said the goal of the world of colours was in line with the rescue mission of Gov. Darius Ishaku, adding that the state government would do everything possible to ensure its success for the benefits of its youths.
The commissioner noted that government was committed to ensuring that the youths were properly groomed to harness the huge tourism potential of the state.
The state government will leave no stone unturned to ensure the success of the project to empower the youths,’’ he said.
In her remarks, Mrs Louis Emmanuel, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, said the partnership would bring about productive youths that would foster peace and development.
Also, Magaji Aji, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, said the project would help reduce crime rate among the youths in the state.
Aji, who donated a car to the project for the most handsome Taraba, said beauty pageant should not be seen as an avenue for prostitution, but a youth leadership and empowerment programme.
Earlier, Mr Andrew Egboja, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the world of colours, said the project was aimed at enlightening the youths on dangers of drug abuse and other social vices.
Egboja said that the concept was not just meant to celebrate beauty, but to harness talents inherent in the youths for the good of the society.
He thanked the state government for giving the firm the opportunity to be part of its rescue operation in the state.
The Project Consultant, Dr David Cherima, urged the youths of the state to embrace the project in order to be self-reliant. (NAN)