The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) has advised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to set up a youth rehabilitation and Empowerment programme to address the lingering crisis of gang violence in the state.
Professor Akande stated that the programme will address the triad problem of drugs,unemployment and crime in the state.He spoke at the 20 years anniversary of De-Group in Ibadan,Oyo State capital yes
He said the frequent violent clashes between the youths across the state in the result of unemployment, drug and hopelessness that characterize the lives of youths in Oyo State
“Every street corner of the state harbour youths who are unemployed and hopeless. Many of them take to drugs and join gangs which eventually result in gang wars.
“Governor Seyi Makinde should set up a youth programme that will focus on youth rehabilitation and creation of jobs for the teeming youths.
“In truth, the government cannot employ all youths in state. But it can embark on a programme of creating entrepreneurs who will in turn employ the youths in the Small and Medium Enterprises.
The government should support such SMEs with seed funds, mentorship and patronage for government contracts. Government can take hundreds of thousands of our youths from the labour market.
“The government should become creative and supportive of our youths to prevent a life of hopelessness among them”, he said.
The Chairman of NCC stated that Nigerian youths and creative and hardworking and deserves to be supported by the government.
Professor Akande told the huge gathering at the event that youths should show more interest in the politics of the country, warning that their preference for entertainment and European League at the expense of Nigerian politics is a disservice to themselves.
“You have the demographic advantage to determine the future of the country but you need to harness this potential to effect the change you want at all levels.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
