Youth Employment Key to Ending Insecurity, Says Bishop Nkulo

The Methodist Bishop of Item Diocese in Abia State, Rt. Rev. Ikechukwu Emezi Nkulo, has said that creating gainful employment for Nigerian youths is crucial to tackling insecurity in all its forms, including banditry and kidnapping.

Speaking in Umuahia during the Vision Africa Radio ICONS Talent Show 2025 themed “Arise and Build”, Bishop Nkulo urged governments at all levels to implement effective job creation policies that would engage young people productively.

According to him, “Youths are easily drawn into restive and criminal activities when unemployed, which explains the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and the menace of unknown gunmen.”

The cleric expressed concern over the severe economic hardship facing many Nigerians, blaming it on selfish leadership and the pursuit of personal gain by those in power. He stressed that governance should focus on empowering citizens through employment opportunities, noting that productive engagement of youths would reduce tension and restore peace nationwide.

In his remarks, the President of Vision Africa, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, explained that the annual ICONS Radio Talent Show was designed to nurture future leaders, promote employment, and foster peace in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the event and Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, commended Archbishop Onuoha for his continuous contributions to youth development.

The winner of the 2025 edition, Mr. Anthony Shadrach, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Onuoha for providing a platform to showcase his talent and pledged to uphold the show’s vision.