From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
A nominee for the Bayelsa Media Network Awards (BMNA) Most Outstanding Security Personnel in the Niger Delta, Commander Ufe Inyang of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has identified unemployment as a major factor driving youth involvement in drug abuse and criminal activities, calling on government to expand employment opportunities for young people.
Inyang made the observation during an interview while speaking on the growing security challenges in the Niger Delta and the need for collective efforts to address youth restiveness, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He argued that gainful employment would reduce idleness among young people and limit their exposure to negative influences that could lead them into drug abuse and other criminal activities.
According to him, unemployed youths who spend much of their time roaming without productive engagement are more vulnerable to negative peer influence and involvement in social vices.
“The government should create more jobs for the boys and girls to do. Anyone who is through with their education, like a graduate, should have a job to do. They say an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he said.
The NSCDC officer also urged security agencies to adopt more proactive measures to prevent political violence and insecurity in the Niger Delta, stressing the need for sustained attention to the protection of lives and property ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He further emphasised the role of traditional institutions and community leaders in addressing youth unemployment and insecurity, noting that government intervention alone would not be sufficient without grassroots participation.
Inyang, who is also a traditional ruler in Ibianibong Community, said he had been making efforts to discourage youths from engaging in unproductive activities by providing assistance from his personal resources and facilitating employment opportunities for them in companies operating within the community.
He explained that traditional rulers could contribute to reducing youth restiveness by encouraging organisations operating in their communities to provide employment opportunities for qualified indigenes.
The traditional ruler added that his commitment to youth empowerment was driven by the need to ensure that young people became economically productive and self-reliant.
Expressing excitement over his nomination for the BMNA award, Inyang described the recognition as an honour and expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement of his contributions to security and community development.
He said he was delighted by the nomination, describing it as a moment of appreciation and thanksgiving.
The Bayelsa Media Network Awards recognises individuals and organisations whose contributions have made significant impacts in their respective fields across the state and the Niger Delta.
