Igbo governors’ failure to industrialise South-East brought unemployment, unknown gunmen: Anyim, Obi of Onitsha
Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, have decried the rising unemployment rate and widespread violence in the South-East.
Messrs Anyim and Achebe lamented the region’s deteriorating economic and security conditions during the South-East Security and Economy Summit, which kicked off in Owerri on Thursday.
The theme of the two-day summit is ‘South East Beyond 2023, Time for a Reset’.
Mr Anyim, the summit chairman, said the event aimed at sending a clear message to the diaspora and Nigerians.
“We are here to send a clear message to our people at home and abroad, and our fellow Nigerians that the Igbo nation strives to become more cohesive in order to be more effective in contributing its quota in the search for national consensus on equity, peace and development,” stated Mr Anyim.
The former Senate president noted that the summit was not intended to dish out directives to the governors but to create a platform for sharing new ideas and understanding areas of collaboration and integration.
Mr Anyim, however, said since 1999, the attention of governments had shifted, adding that “no government in the South-East had considered it needful to service industrial corridors and attract investors to set up factories.”
He stated, “The implication is that the unemployment rate had multiplied and could be the reason for the upsurge of crime and criminality in the zone. We need to rethink our developmental priorities.”
Mr Anyim called for re-engineering the entrepreneurship sector and realigning the educational system with regional needs.
Speaking on behalf of the South-East traditional rulers, Mr Achebe commended the South-East governors for organising the summit but noted that “the complex security situation in the zone and the economic strangulation of the zone, arising from the insecurity, have greatly affected major markets in the area.”
The Igbo leader expressed the need to set a peculiar agenda for the people shared by all stakeholders beyond political divides.
The summit’s organising committee chairwoman, Chris Anyanwu, stressed that the meeting would set the agenda for the region’s accelerated economic transformation, social harmony and effective security.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Rights
‘It’s not time for strike,’ Tinubu, Sultan tell labour unions to shelve plans
Messrs Tinubu and Abubakar, on Friday in Abuja, urged the unions to sheath their swords “in the interest of the masses.”
Diaspora
Ligue 1 Unveiled: Insights and predictions after the thrilling Nice vs PSG clash
In recent years, French football has witnessed a renaissance.
States
18 suspected kidnappers, 11 others arrested in Nasarawa: Police
According to him, most of the suspects have already confessed to committing the crimes and are helping the police in the investigation.
Abuja
FCT to partner Italy on sustainable city, tourism, agriculture: Wike
He said he would personally visit the ambassador to discuss areas of mutual benefit for Nigeria and the Republic of Italy.
States
Sokoto Guber: Police ban procession ahead of Saturday’s tribunal judgment
“I am making it unequivocally clear that any form of procession or gathering that violates the law or disrupts the peace will not be tolerated,’’ Mr Kaigama warned.
World
Maulud: 50 killed in gathering to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
Local reports said the incident occurred in the province of Balochistan as the community came together to observe this significant religious occasion.
