By Victor Ahiuma-Young
ABUJA—MINISTER of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has said the Federal Government is determined to bring down the rate of unemployment in the country.

The Minister, who spoke in Abuja, said President Goodluck Jonathan decided deliberately not to zone his developmental projects in order to reduce the high unemployment rate in the country.

A statement by Mr. Emmanuel Aziken, Special Assistant on Media to the Labour Minister, said Chief Wogu, while receiving a  northern political pressure group in his office, expressed optimism that President Jonathan would heed the aspiration of many Nigerians and contest the 2011 presidential election.

The group, Goodluck for Nigeria Advancement, led by Umar Mu’azu was in the office of the Minister to mobilise support for the President to vie in the 2011 presidential contest.

Electricity projects

Mu’azu in his speech had cited the power reform programme and President Jonathan’s promise to boost electricity generation through Mambila hydroelectric power project, Dadin Kowa hydroelectric and electricity project in Gombe State, Tiga Dam solar electricity project in Kano State, Gurara dam and Zungeru hydroelectricity projects.

He said: “All these sources are from Northern Nigeria. These choices are not based on zoning but on feasible and reliable sources and that is what we expect from a patriotic leader.”

In his response Wogu said: “You have talked about the power reforms of this administration. You have listed all the laudable projects connected with power reform, development of dams to derive hydroelectricity by this administration.

Detribalised President

“The projects you mentioned earlier are all sited in the North which you attributed to our amiable President and which you said were not based on zoning because the development projects of the President do not recognise zoning and that is why you have all these projects in the North.

“They do not exist in the South. The President is not parochial. He does not promote ethnicity and believes that what is just is right.

“I am happy that you have noticed that and you are asking that what should be done is politically expedient. I agree with you. What is politically expedient at this point, going by your wish, is to join hands and ask other Nigerians to promote honesty, promote patriotism and promote competence.

“We are plagued with unemployment issues but this administration is tackling it and things have been put in place to tackle this high incidence of unemployment and low level of productivity.”