
Youths of Ido-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti on Friday urged Gov. Dr Kayode Fayemi to create jobs for the unemployed youths before the end of his administration.
Some of the youths, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ido-Ekiti said it was unfortunate that many of them were jobless for many years before settling for their present occupations.
Mr Bayode Ogundipe, a furniture maker, said for eight years since he graduated from Ekiti State University (EKSU), formerly University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), but was unable to get a job.
Ogundipe appealed to the governor to consider many unemployed Ekiti youths and create pensionable jobs for them.
He said most of the youths were the best in their various fields of study therefore would contribute to the success of any government establishment if given the privilege to serve.
“I want to appeal to the state government to create jobs. All youths are not business-oriented some might turn out to be intelligent office administrators, but are not privileged to work.
“Some youths engage in various crimes when they are idle but have to fend for themselves.
“I think it is time for governor Fayemi to create jobs that will gainfully empower the youths to become good members of the society,” he said.
Another youth, Miss Bimbo Aina, a trader, said that lack of a job made her start small scale business to cater for her needs and that of her younger ones.
Aina, a graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akugba, appealed to the state government prioritise the welfare of the youths by creating good jobs for them.
“I am aware that the state government cannot provide jobs for every youth but at least, 50 per cent of us should be given good jobs.
“It is until the youths are gainfully employed that all forms of crimes will reduce in our society because they are the ones indulging in various social vices,” she said.
Mr Sola Oni, one of the youths in the community, said that it was time for both the state and the local governments set up plans on how youths would be gainfully employed.
Oni said the major cause of crimes in Nigeria was massive unemployed youths across the country.
He appealed to the state government to consider the plights of youths, who do not have a source of livelihood or parents to take care of their needs.
“As I speak I know of some youths who do not have parents but sponsored themselves in the university with the hope of getting a good job after graduation.
“Till today they are struggling to survive and feed their siblings. I am very sure it is because of their good background that they decided not to engage in crimes to survive.
“I am appealing to the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to consider unemployed graduates that are suffering in our dear state and create jobs for them,” he said.
Mr Sunday Adeboye, an automobile mechanic appealed to the state governor to create better jobs for the youths before the end of his tenure.
Adeboye urged Nigeria’s political leaders to create the enabling environment for thousands of youths to be gainfully employed and contribute their quota to the development of the country.
NAN