BY VICTOR  AHIUMA-YOUNG

DELTA State council of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called on the state government to introduce the payment of social security benefits to unemployed graduates and youths to lessen the pressure on them to resort to crime.

The state NLC, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Williams Akporeha, called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, saying: “In addition to your laudable programmes of payment of bursary to undergraduates and scholarships for post graduate students, to introduce the payment of social security benefits to unemployed graduates and youths.

The scheme can be developed with safety valves to make it possible for beneficiaries to start making gradual returns as soon as they secure employment with the state ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.
“We envisage that a scheme like this will not only check youth involvement in crime but also build confidence between the youth and state government.”

On ailing industries in the state, the statement, said: “Labour wishes to appreciate the bold initiative of the current administration as encapsulated in Delta Beyond Oil, which is targeted at creating more job opportunities. In this regard, Delta State NLC calls on the state government to consider the revival of ailing industries in the state.”