Abandonment of youths, root of Nigeria’s problem – Ihenacho

nigerianewspoint

Former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho has said that the myriads of social problems bedevilling Nigeria today are traceable to the neglect of Nigeria’s youth population especially, the vast army of unemployed youths.
Speaking at the unveiling of a job centre and youth empowerment initiative of the Dozie Mezie Owerri group, a development and advocacy platform of Owerri people of Imo state, Ihenacho lamented the plight of the Nigerian youth noting that government must have a definite action plan for its youth population.
He said, “The problem of Nigeria and indeed Imo state is a problem of the youths. We must have a plan that gives them informed direction and be able to channel their youthful energy towards productive ventures. There must be a clear plan to train them well, make them employable and indeed employ them.
“The person who goes to school should be hopeful of employment after excelling in academics. Training them and getting them productively engaged is the solution to our social problems and that is why I wholeheartedly identify with this initiative of Dozie Mezie Owerri.”
Earlier in his address, the chairman of the group, Sir Okey Ikpe regretted the alarming rate of unemployment in Owerri which propelled the organization to the job centre project.
According to him, “The UNDP report on rate of unemployment ranked Imo state amongst the highest percentage with Owerri youths being over 70 percent of the unemployed population.
“Consequently, a survey by Dozie Owerri revealed that over 20,000 young and educated Owerri men and women are unemployed.
“Sadly, many of them have been unemployed for upwards of 10 years post graduation with little hope for the future.”
Also at the event was the First lady of Ondo state, Mrs. Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, a daughter of Emeabiam, Owerri West LGA.

Related posts