Unemployment, insecurity: Private sector job creation initiatives to the rescue

THE increasing wave of crime and insecurity in Nigeria
has continued to be linked to the current high
unemployment rate among Nigerian youths. But while
both the Federal Government and the various state
governments try to come to terms with this reality and
proffer solution, it has emerged that the problem
cannot be solved without private sector participation
and initiatives.
It was based on this consideration that the Director,
Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi beverages and
sausages, Mr Saleem Adegunwa, said the company
was established. Speaking during a facility tour of the
company’s new site on the Sagamu Benin expressway
,Ososa, Ogun State, Adegunwa said all things
considered the company was motivated by the desire
to empower people in its host communities, especially
the youths.
He said since production started on the new site, the
company has put in place security measures not only
in the factory but also in the community to safeguard
their means of livelihood.
The new factory, he informed, is built on 23.780
hectares of land area (58.763 acres) comprising three
main buildings: the Bakery Factory, Beverage Factory
and the Warehouse, including other buildings such as
Security/Fire Station, Staff Welfare, Service Bakery,
Generator House and Gate House.
His words: “Even with the amount and quality of
equipment on ground, we have had no security
challenge as adequate precautions have been taken.
Since we came into the town, there has been an influx
of people which necessitates a 24-hour surveillance.
Our coming here has triggered off lots of activities with
many people, especially the youths being gainfully
employed. This is because our coming here has given
this town a new face as people are now putting
structures in place which were not there before.”
Such that development in this town is physical and
this makes workers and other people security
conscious.” He added that the company’s employees
which have grown from 100 at its inception in 2007 to
close to 1000 were provided with accommodation and
feeding allowances. “Through employment, people are
engaged and so are able to take care of themselves
and their families.”


SOURCE...VANGUARD