By Christopher Philomina
The Imo State Government has revealed its empowerment plan for residents of the state to eradicate poverty.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the state government, Professor Kenneth Amaechi, made the revelation in a virtual programme titled, ‘The potential of One kindred, One Business Initiative’ in the state
He said that the plan of the government is to empower families by making sure some selected families are able to handle one business or the other, which will enable them make income and in turn contribute to the state economy.
Amaechi lamented the unemployment rate in the country, saying “unemployment is a global problem and an African problem. The world Bank data has it that about 60% of African youths are unemployed.”
He also added that “Some of the challenges of Nigeria from insecurity to others, can be linked to the single problem of unemployment. ” hence, the necessity of the kindred initiative.
“The ltalian economy has a lot of family business, the same as the united state of America, but the family business here would be a situation whereby you have the family unit, a man , woman and the children and they have a business to themselves.”
According to him, the empowerment would tackle insecurity, noting that insecurity itself is largely influenced by unemployment.
On the feasibility of the empowerment based on the literacy level of local families, the chief Economic Adviser, who is a professor of Sustainable Finance and Governance, European University Institute, Florence Italy , said, “The government can provide some training, and enhance the families who have come together in different ways. Again, I would be surprised if the entire kindred is illiterate.”