A politician and elder statesman, Azubuike Reuben, has said that empowering youths with jobs and economic opportunities will significantly reduce insecurity, kidnapping, killings, and other social vices in Rivers State and across the country.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Azubuike called on the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to prioritize youth empowerment during the Christmas or New Year period as a strategic step toward addressing rising insecurity.
According to him, a large percentage of crimes in Rivers State and Nigeria at large are driven by economic hardship, noting that many young people are unable to cope with the harsh economic realities, especially when they see others spending freely without having a legitimate source of income.
“The youths need something meaningful to engage in—something that will give them hope and a source of income at the end of the day or month,” Azubuike said. “It is very frustrating that graduates cannot find jobs in companies or government ministries. Many youths are now willing to take even daily-paid jobs just to keep themselves busy and survive.”
He stressed that the lack of employment opportunities leaves many young people idle and vulnerable to being drawn into criminal activities, adding that sustained empowerment programmes would help restore dignity and purpose among the youth population.
Azubuike further urged all tiers of government—federal, state, and local councils—to collaborate in creating jobs and empowerment schemes for young people, noting that such initiatives would automatically lead to a reduction in insecurity and allow citizens to enjoy a safer and freer society.
In a related development, Ikem Opara commended Governor Fubara for recently empowering 500 people in the state but appealed to him to expand the initiative with a stronger focus on youths.
Opara urged the governor to consider providing direct employment opportunities or empowering young people with resources to start businesses of their choice. According to him, engaging youths in meaningful economic activities would go a long way in reducing crime and insecurity in Rivers State.
He maintained that investing in youth empowerment is not only a social responsibility but also a long-term solution to the security challenges facing the state.
