Mr Jayesh Shinde, the Regional Head of the Stallion Group, a business conglomerate that deals in automobiles, and agricultural products, has said that the group have indicated an interest in partnering Bayelsa Government on youth empowerment, sports and agricultural development.
Shinde gave the indication during a courtesy call on Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
He expressed the company’s readiness to provide technical skills training for at least 200 youths from the state, on assembling and repair of tricycles popularly known as “Keke”.
Shinde said that Stallion Group would also work with the state government, in the area of developing critical sporting facilities and sponsorship, pointing out that the company had, on some occasions, sponsored the Super Eagles in the past.
The Regional Head said the company would encourage potential female Keke riders from Bayelsa, by offering them special discounts and flexible terms of payment to acquire their own tricycles.
Responding, Mr Ewhrudjakpo, expressed excitement over the offers made by the Stallion Group, saying the Senator Douye Diri-led administration would do everything within its reach to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.
The deputy governor said just a few days earlier, he had told the officials and players of Bayelsa Queens FC that government would shop for sponsorship deals from corporate bodies, to sponsor the two state-owned football teams.
He said both Bayelsa United FC and Bayelsa Queens were open to sponsorship in kitting, transport and other logistics, especially now that Bayelsa Queens were going continental.
Ewhrudjakpo, stressed that the state government was ready to provide land and do everything necessary to enable the Stallion Group to site one of its regional assembly plants and workshops in Bayelsa.
He said the government would work out all the necessary modalities with the conglomerate for its special three-day technical skills training for youths on “Keke” repair and maintenance.
The Bayelsa number two man, who pointed out that the state was endowed with immense agricultural potential, called on the Group to also venture into agricultural business, to create jobs and wealth.