The Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo
Stan Ekeh has called on the Federal Government to partner credible businessmen
and entrepreneurs from the South East to save the region from the looming
effects of mass unemployment currently plaguing the zone, reports ITRealms.
Ekeh, who is serial digital
entrepreneur made this call at a two-day convention organized by the Owerri
People’s Assembly, an apex socio-cultural organization held in Owerri, the Imo
State capital on April 2nd and 3rd 2018.
In attendance were a host of
dignitaries from the state including renowned politician and businessman, Chief
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere; First
Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu; former Min. of Education, Prof.
Chinwe Obaji and Senator Chris Anyanwu, among several others.
Ekeh, who was the Chairman on the
occasion, disclosed that the unemployment situation in the region is a ticking
time bomb, describing it as a social problem of immense ramifications which may
see all-inclusive peace elude the nation, if not urgently addressed.
“The problem of massive
unemployment facing the South East region is one that requires concerted
efforts from the Federal Government and other stakeholders. A situation in
which thousands of qualified graduates, most of them with upper class degrees, are
still looking for their first jobs 10 or 12 years after leaving school, is
highly worrisome. It is a suicidal situation; one that will potentially explode
in disastrous consequences, if not immediately addressed.
“If you rely on statistics, there
are over a million of such unemployed graduates in the South East. Having such
a huge number of active yet unengaged youths concentrated in the region is a
serious cause for concern and the Federal Government has a role to play in nipping
this situation in the bud.”
While disclosing that a lot is
being done by private individuals and entrepreneurs from the region to
ameliorate the situation, Ekeh noted that this was grossly insufficient and
urged the Federal Government to partner with such well-meaning Nigerians to
achieve more.
“What is required is a joint
effort to save our youths. In reality, the State Governments cannot do it
alone. Also, a number of entrepreneurs, businessmen and other well-meaning
Nigerians from the region are equally doing their best but it is hardly enough.
Personally, I have been quietly supporting the Imo State Government for many
years in creating employment opportunities for youths in various communities in
the state. These investments often exceed the sum of N1bn annually but it is
like a drop of water in an ocean.
“The Federal Government must come
to the aid of these youths by partnering with other well-meaning individuals from
the state in creating platforms that will generate employment opportunities for
the unemployed and equip them with the right mindset and confidence to take
their place in today’s knowledge economy,” he advised.
While commending the members of
the Owerri People’s Assembly (OPA) for their commitment in improving the lot of
the people, Ekeh called for a united front in achieving the political ambitions
of the zone.
“I am not a politician and not
remotely interested in contesting any elective position. However, I identify
with the wishes and aspirations of people of Owerri zone to have one of their
own emerge the next Governor. For this to be possible, however, the zone must
forge a common front and put forward their best candidates for each elective
position. I recently engaged the Governor, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas
Okorocha on this matter and he has also declared his willingness to help
actualize this dream, provided the zone provides a credible candidate. Only a
fool will agree to hand over to an incompetent successor or someone who will
come and destroy the legacies he has put in years of hard work to build,” he
said.
Counselling the youths on the
need to embrace humility as one of the core virtues to success, the Zinox
Chairman, whose tech conglomerate recently concluded the acquisition of
e-commerce giant Konga, reiterated his determination to create more
capacity-building avenues to support the youths through the creation of a
finishing school and digital skills acquisition centre in the zone, pledging to
use the facilities as a proof of concept for the 27 local governments in the
state.
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