The Abia State Government has expressed its continued commitment to job creation to alleviate poverty and curb crime in the area.
Its Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Bonnie Iwuoha, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, on Monday that most crimes committed in the state were as a result of idleness caused by unemployment of youths.
Iwuoha said crime would be reduced if young people were gainfully employed.
He assured the residents of the state that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, if allowed to remain in office, would change the fate of Abia State.
Iwuoha noted that job creation had commenced with the revival of moribund industries in the state.
He listed the industries to include International Glass Industries and Swiss International Enyimba Hotels, both in Aba and the Golden Guinea Breweries in Umuahia.
The commissioner also said the government was consciously working on some projects to employ a large number of residents.
Iwuoha said: “It is lack of jobs that drives many of the young people into criminal activities.
“So, once they are gainfully employed, certainly they will sign-off those illegal activities.
“This is one of the ways the state government through Ikpeazu is restoring life to the whole of Abia.
“This is why we are appealing to the people, politicians and Nigerians to sheath their swords and support Ikpeazu.”
NAN.