A call has been made for the creation of sustainable businesses for youths as one sure way of getting them away from violence and thuggery especially during elections.
This was made by Hon Sola Osholana while briefing the media on Friday in Agege,Lagos.
According to Osholana: “The youths we see carrying guns ,cutlasses and other dangerous weapons during and after elections are humans.They are engaged in such vices because their feeding and survival are tied to one person who exploits their conditions negatively.
” If they are engaged into meaningful ventures businesses like agriculture, technology , trading and others,am very sure they will be too busy and engaged to carry out negative instructions.
“It is even more painful to note that most of these youths have some skills they don’t use which they see as secondary compared to the money they get from crime related activities.When they are engaged,that gives them a sense of belonging.
“I have made several efforts in sponsoring most youths in Agege who are now more busier and absent from some crimes they were known for.So I urge the government to create more jobs that do not require lengthy criteria so the youths on the streets can have something doing thereby reducing their usage as thugs by politicians”, Osholana added.
Speaking further Osolana said a vibrant business atmosphere is needful towards making the local government attractive to investors.
” We plan to engage stakeholders in creating viable businesses that will be run by public – private sector partnerships.For example, the popular Agege Bread can be run as a project that will not just create jobs but will place the local government on the spotlight in business.
“We need to also build a database of the markets and traders.This would help create a database to work with.
He advised youths on building blocks of peace ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“I urge the youths to see one Nigeria as first before party memberships.These parties will come and go but our oneness as Nigeria is what will outlive us”.
