Ex-FIRS boss task government on job creation to curb insecurity

Former Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, has lamented the spate of insecurity across the country, particularly the incessant cases of kidnap in Edo State.

She said tackling insecurity in Edo State and across the country requires not just providing funds for the security agencies alone but ensuring tactical strategies in crime fighting.

Omoigui-Okauru said government should embrace community policing as well as develop security tight strategies to check and combat crime. “If the community is sufficiently engaged, understand crime control, and have awareness, we can surmount a lot of security issues.”

She spoke yesterday at a Security Seminar and Elders Fun Day with theme, “Domestic and Outdoor Security: Elderly Perspective”, organised by Dogomo Foundation to mark the foundation’s One year anniversary, which commemorates the demise of the matriarch of Omoigui-Okauru family.

Omoigui-Okauru charged youths on skills acquisition to create jobs rather than seeking employment where there is none and eschew crime.

The former FIRS boss lamented that unemployment, lack of skills has heightened the criminality in the society adding that most youths who engage in these crimes are either unemployed or lack any form of skills to earn a living.

“There is the need to create jobs, acquire skills to combat insecurity. Security is also about the quality of Education you have. It is not about going to school, but what you learn in school.

“Again, what is in our curricula? I think that is one area that needs a lot of attention, not just at the state level but at the federal to ensure we build rounded citizens. So that when they graduate, they will not be searching for jobs but can actually create jobs,” Omoigui-Okauru said.