The National Forum of Enugu People’s Association (NAFEPA) on Sunday urged the Federal Government to revive the coal industry in the state.
This is contained in a communiqué made available to the press at the end of the association’s 2014 first quarterly meeting in Lagos.
The communiqué was signed by the President of the association, Mr Pius Ike, and Secretary, Mr Samuel Odo.According to it, reviving the coal deposit will help create jobs for youths.“2015 election is around the corner and we will not like the youths to be used as thugs.
“Many of them are roaming the streets in search of jobs,” it said.
It, however, commended the state government for sending some youths to Songhai Farms to be trained on practical agriculture.
It advised the state government to empower the trained youths by providing them with loans to enable them practice what they had learnt.
The communiqué said the measure would help to reduce youth restiveness and crime rate in the state.
It also lauded the state government for putting in place a neighbourhood watch and vigilance group to enhance security in the state.
While condemning the bombing and killings in the North, the communique urged the people to be security conscious at all times.
It urged the National Conference delegates to enforce the constitutional provision on indigeneship and residency status.
It also urged the delegates to de-emphasise quota system in the education system in favour of merit and called for a stronger regional structure.
The forum is the umbrella body of Enugu State elite, clubs and associations seeking to promote the interest and development of the state.