Since its inauguration, the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, which was meant to serve as a clearing house to link job seekers, fill vacant positions or provide opportunities for self employment has been combating the scourge of unemployment with a measure of success but yet unemployment level continues to rise.

With about 1.8 million graduates entering into the Nigerian labour market every year, this country is already breeding an army of frustrated, angry, desperate job seekers whose pathetic situation could reach the boiling point required for an explosion that may not be contained anymore by the government.

The Vice President, African Veterinary Association, AVA, Dr Gani Enahoro, has warned that the possibility of mass movement is real in the country if urgent steps are not taken to address the growing rate of unemployment.

Unemployment, insecurity, harsh economic conditions among others indicate that young graduates in the country are losing out. While unconfirmed statistics indicate that three out of ten graduates in the country are unemployed, some of them have become commercial motorcycle operators and petrol station attendants.

THE audience exploded in admiration. Chuks and I were locked in cordial embrace. We both knew my gratitude was beyond words… I have carried that poem with me ever since. Its echo hovered over my consciousness as I composed ‘Birth Day’, one of the poems in Days, my book of poems published in 2007, and that particular poem was dedicated to Chuks Ihekaibeya and memories of ‘Crimson Moments’.