By Chinedum Treasure
Residents and youths in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State have expressed concern over rising drug abuse around public primary schools, youth unemployment, insecurity and the increasing cost of living.
The concerns were raised during the Local Government Quarterly Dialogue organised by the Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) at the Umuahia North LGA Headquarters.
Participants warned that the sale and abuse of hard drugs near schools were exposing children to substance abuse and urged government to strengthen measures to protect pupils.
They also decried rising youth unemployment despite increasing educational attainment, calling for greater investment in vocational training, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes.
Other issues highlighted included high electricity bills despite poor power supply, rising house rents, alleged exploitation by housing agents, and the need for improved monitoring of government projects.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) appealed for greater inclusion in government empowerment programmes, stressing that persons with intellectual disabilities are often excluded from interventions.
Participants further called for improved security following recent kidnapping incidents and urged greater transparency in revenue collection.
Responding, officials of Umuahia North LGA assured residents that security remains a priority and disclosed that the council had requested perimeter fencing for public primary schools to curb drug trafficking around school premises.
They also pledged to engage disability cluster leaders in future empowerment programmes, collaborate with lawmakers on drug rehabilitation initiatives, and continue dialogue with youths to address unemployment challenges.
Earlier, CATYCOI Executive Director, Nonso Orakwe, said the dialogue was designed to promote citizen participation, accountability and collaboration between government and the people.
Tags: Abia, Umuahia North, Drug Abuse, Youth Unemployment, CATYCOI
