By Amos Aar
CHIEF Moses Ampitan Olorunniyi, a Makurdi-based businessman and retired journalist, has called on the Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and well-to-do individuals to create job opportunities for the youths in order to take them off the street to quell insecurity and social vices like armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping and drug abuse.
Chief Niyi, who spoke Tuesday in an interview with The Prime Newspaper and National Record in Makurdi on the occasion of his 72nd birthday anniversary, attributed youths’ restiveness in the state to joblessness.
He said if jobs are created for the youths, it would do a great deal to curtail their idleness which he described as the “devil’s workshop”.
ALSO READ: Angry Workers Lock In Works Minister Umahi
He however encouraged the youths to also go out of Benue State to search for opportunities if not favoured in their state, but they should avoid the get-rich-quick temptation.
“Go out the youths, it’s not necessary you will remain adamant in your state. The word of God says some will be at home, some will be at away. Go out and work, occupy yourself, go and hustle but don’t steal to avoid untimely death”.
On Governor Alia’s performance after one hundred days in office, the Septuagenarian said, it’s too early to assess Alia’s government. But he was hopeful that the governor will do well with time, taking into consideration that a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, of blessed memory, led Benue excellently in the past and Alia’s will not be different with prayers for him.
He tasked the governor’s aides to advise him on what to do for the masses and not only what they would benefit.
“We believe in him because he doesn’t look like a hungry man and he will do better with prayers for him in churches and mosques.
ALSO READ: Nigeria’s Atomic Energy Commission Signs MoU With Russian Varsity
“I can say that the best Governor Benue has ever had is Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu and another Rev. Fr. has come now. So, by the time he finishes his tenure, we want to see changes,” he stressed.
Niyi also appealed to Governor Alia to look at the “ugly situation” of the Yoruba community in Benue State who he said voted massively for him so as to help them. He said the Yorubas need more appointments now than what the previous administrations used to give them because their population has increased.
“All the past governments have been doing their best. But we want him to do more because we are now focusing attention on him, not what we the fathers or the mothers will benefit. But we want our legacy, our junior ones to benefit and by the time we leave this world, they will also enjoy and remember his name.
While he challenged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) to step up it’s responsibility, Niyi however cautioned that hunger and anger should not cause the youths to destroy their lives with drugs, lamenting that even though the agency has an office in Makurdi, the youths abuse drugs anyhow.
“There is NAFDAC office in Makurdi but they are doing nothing. What is their work for God’s sake?” he pondered!
He alleged that all drugs seized by security operatives are always sold back to those abusing it.
