Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom in the Federal Character Commission, Mr Matthew Ukpong, has said that some 25,000 people from the state have been employed by the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Ukpong disclosed this in an interview in Abuja .

“I cannot categorically say the exact number of people employed but I know that the number is over 25,000 people have been employed in the federal service.

He said that the commission was not an employer of labour but had the responsibility of ensuring balance and fairness in employment opportunities for all the states.

Ukpong said that the government was making every effort to ensure that vacancies were created for the employment of youths, adding that “it is a gradual process as government cannot force one to retire because they want to employ youths.”

The commissioner said the free and compulsory education programme of the Gov. Godswill Akpabio administration had created a reservoir of qualified youths ready for employment.

“We have produced more than enough materials. Many people in my state have the opportunity to go to school today without spending money.

“We don’t have housemaids in my state any longer because of the privilege given to our youth.

He said that the programme had increased the number of both graduates and undergraduates in the state, adding that it had also increased the number of unemployed youths.

“But notwithstanding, we are not complaining; it is always good to have educated people in a given society. It is part of development and it causes promotion in both cultural and social lives of the society,’’ he said.

He said the governor was making efforts to create an enabling environment for employment opportunities and to ensure self reliance for youths in the state.

He advised the youth not to depend on the government for employment, adding that they should learn to use their knowledge to create wealth and be employers of labour.