A social analyst, Mr. Okwudiri Godspower, has called on the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to urgently address the rising rate of youth unemployment in the state as a means of curbing criminal activities.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, Godspower described unemployment as a major obstacle to the development of any country, state, city, or community.
According to him, the growing number of unemployed youths in Rivers State has contributed significantly to the increase in crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, bag snatching, and other social vices.
He alleged that many unemployed youths now roam the streets in search of means of survival, while others engage in the extortion of commercial bus drivers in different parts of the state.
Godspower claimed that some youths, allegedly operating under local government authorities, force bus drivers to pay daily levies of about N200 at locations such as Mile 1, Mile 3, and other areas in Port Harcourt. He further alleged that drivers who refuse to comply often have their vehicles vandalized.
He accused the government of ignoring the activities of such groups and urged the Fubara administration to introduce sustainable employment programmes for youths, especially in sectors such as agriculture and industry.
“The solution lies in creating opportunities that will positively engage the youths and reduce their involvement in criminal activities,” he said.
In a separate interview, another resident, Mr. Chinda Patrick, expressed a differing opinion, stating that some youths are unwilling to work and are instead seeking quick wealth without legitimate labour.
According to him, some prefer collecting money from commercial drivers, which they allegedly spend on alcohol and other unhealthy habits.
Patrick, however, also appealed to both the Rivers State Government and local government councils to create more employment opportunities for young people, whom he described as the leaders of tomorrow.
