‘Lack of continuity in project execution responsible for high level of unemployment in Akwa Ibom’

Some indigenes of Akwa Ibom seem to validate the recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which ranked the state as the second highest in terms of unemployment.

Though this has been rejected by the state government saying the report was faulty, many have continued to accuse the state government of abandoning projects that could have provided jobs for the teeming youths.

Gabriel Um oh, a professor of Agricultural and Development Economics at the University of Uyo ( UNIUYO), noted that “the private sector has become disconnected from government to the point where only hotels and recreational centres are owned by politicians in government thrive”.

According to Umoh, “Akwa Ibom has no strong private sector to complement government’s policies and programmes.”

He said unemployment would continue to be a recurring issue if the private sector was not strengthened to create more jobs.

Ekpenyong Bassey, a community leader, has also accused politicians of allegedly stealing money to erect palatial houses which he said ended not being occupied

“In highbrow areas of Uyo, especially Ewet Housing, Osongama and Shelter Afrique, you cannot count a number of palatial and imposing buildings built by politicians; they are too many.

“Most of these homes are now lying fallow with only security guards keeping vigil, while their owners live in other mansions elsewhere in Abuja, Lagos and abroad.

“If these monies used in erecting such marvelous structures were invested in businesses, especially housing, cottage industries, oil and gas and export and import businesses, the government would only have the burden of creating the right environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.