Anambra To Conduct Unemployed Youths Census

Governor  Peter Obi of Anambra has said that his government had concluded arrangements to conduct a census of unemployed youths in the state.

 Obi disclosed this in Onitsha, Anambra, recently at a book launch where he was represented Mrs Nwado Obika, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He said the exercise was aimed at finding a solution to the unemployment problem.

“The census, which would begin in two weeks, would also take data on their job interest and talents to facilitate action on unemployment.

“Government will build more skill acquisition centres in most communities to facilitate its programme on employment and self-reliance,’’ he said. The book, titled: “What Our Youths Were not Taught,’’ was written by Mr Vincent Ibeh, the 2010 first prize winner of the Anambra State Governor’s Literary Award. Obi said government would concentrate more on skill acquisition in order to halt the non-availability of skilled and semi-skilled artisans and other professionals.

“Presently, we rely on foreigners for our mason, tiling work, wood works etc and most of our youths are roaming the streets while foreigners are earning more to take back to their countries,’’ he said. He added that the government had decided to go the extra mile to ensure that unemployment was reduced to its barest minimum within the next four years.

Mr Nwabufo Nwankwo, the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State chapter, said that the council would continue to encourage youths to develop a reading culture through various seminars and award programmes.

Nwankwo, who reviewed the 316-page book with 24 chapters, said the book had a lot of inspiration for the 21st century youth in order to overcome the challenges of his or her age.

He enjoined youths to imbibe patience and hard work in developing their potential through reading books as well as emulating great people.

Nwankwo said only the educated and well developed mind could effectively face the challenges of the future.

Ibeh, the author, said he was inspired to write the book by his desire to provide a solution to some questions that pre-occupied the minds of most youths.

One of these, he said, was how to face the challenges of the future and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the society.