By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI—The Federal and state governments have been reminded that every attempt to reduce unemployment may remain a mirage, if the prevailing multiple taxation and unfriendly business climate persisted.

The chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rapido Foods Limited, Mr. Frank Nneji, who stated this during the third customers’ forum in Owerri, Monday, however, restated the company’s commitment towards reduction of unemployment and job creation in the country.

“It is sad to note that a number of industrial concerns across the nation have been forced to close shop as a result of most unfriendly operational climate in the country.

Speaking earlier, the company’s Managing Director, Mrs. Ngozi Nneji, represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Isijola Ignatius, discribed the forum as not only an avenue for stock-taking of all the activities of the past year, but also a veritable opportunity to brainstorm on the years ahead.

“There are as many taxes and levies facing industrialists as there are state and local government areas in the country, Mr. Nneji also reasoned that “except these issues were properly streamlined, the level of unemployment and it’s associated crimes may remain with us for a long while,” Nneji said.

He promised that Rapido Foods was poised to lay   a solid foundation for fresh science related graduates for economic self   reliance, in addition to supporting entrepreneurs   in job creation.

“The purpose of establishing Rapido Foods is for job creation and enterprise and we set it up to give job experience to youths, especially for those with science backgrounds,” he said.