The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Kalabari chapter, has called on
companies operating in the area to employ the youths in a bid to end
hostilities in the area.

The chairman of the
body, Comrade Sobarasua Odum, made the appeal while addressing journalists last
Wednesday after the multinationals failed to attend its meeting in Port
Harcourt.

Sobarasua pointed out that joblessness was part of the
reasons that drove some of the boys to oil theft as well as other illegalities.
The IYC boss, said it will be unfair if the boys returned to their former lives
due to lack of job opportunities.

He said all oil companies operating in Kalabari Kingdom,
including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were not mindful of the
peoples’ plight, adding that they will remain focused in spite the companies’
antics.

He regretted that companies like Shell, Agip, and others
could shun an invitation by the group which was intended to provide a platform
for all concerned to discuss issues.

Comrade Banibo Nimisere in his contribution blamed the
youths for their desire to make quick money, adding that such cases will lead
them no where.

Nimisere argued that it was time young people thought of how
to better their lots in order to tackle the challenges of the future.

The General Secretary Sepiribo CT Briggs, Treasurer Comrade
Clinton Horsfall and others charged the companies to respect job creation. They
stressed that the multinationals’ negligence over the years had brought untold
hardship to the people.

They expressed displeasure that concerned authorities
celebrate those they describe as high profile thieves and punish the less
privileged ones.