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A rise in kidnapping, robbery, prostitution and youth restiveness in the country is imminent, the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Olakunle Obayan, has predicted.
Obayan spoke on Monday at the opening ceremony of the “Start Your Own Business” training of the directorate held in Awka, the Anambra state capital.
He said at the event:
“I’m sure that you are aware that statistics of unemployment in Nigeria is high. It is also important to note that more universities are emerging which would mean more graduates being churned out of these universities to join the already bloated market.
“This particular situation can only result in frustration and give rise to various deviant behaviours such as youth restiveness, prostitution, kidnapping, robbery and so on.”
The NDE empowered 638 youths in the state by cash and training.
No fewer than 150 youths were being trained under Vocational Skills Development while 120 students in the junior secondary school were being trained in various skills as holiday programme, including bead making, interlocking block moulding, manicure and pedicure, catering and satellite installation.
Fifty senior secondary school graduates would receive training under SYOB, whereas 318 beneficiaries received N20,000 each under the Artisan Resettlement and Mentoring Scheme.
Obayan tasked the youth, especially graduates of tertiary institutions to try and acquire skills that would take them away from vices.
He said the concept of SYOB was borne out the desire to ensure that unemployed graduates of tertiary institution would be exposed to the benefits of self-reliance through entrepreneurship.
He added that the training would also guide them in their choices of business ideas that would instill in them self confidence in managing their business successfully.
The NDE boss also noted that most developed nations achieved economic prosperity through small scale businesses that propelled employment for their populace.