Group initiates programme to stop exodus of youths in South East

A New group set up by infrastructural development-minded persons from the five South East states (Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi), Ala Igbo Development Agenda (AIDA), has resolved to kick start activities to stop exodus of youths to cities like Lagos and Abuja in search of jobs.

Briefing The Guardian, yesterday, in Owerri, Imo State capital, on activities for formal launch of the agenda, the Convener of the group, Sam Anokam, said the five South East governors had been notified on the new plan to develop their states using a 25- year development plan /blue print to achieve the goal without political motive, rather for massive socio-economic benefits.

Anokam, a veteran Estate Surveyor, said the body is a child of necessity, which was embarrassed by recent order to quit by some persons to Igbo people doing their legitimate businesses in Lagos and other cities outside Igbo land.

He said the body was busy assembling professionals in the zone, including architects, estate surveyors, engineers, captains of industry, and bankers, among others, who would use the Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to hit the ground running.

Meanwhile, the Biafra Nations League (BnL) has threatened to attack Lagos over actions of Yoruba and security agents against Igbo.

In a statement made available to journalists, in Calabar, yesterday, the National Leader of BnL, Princewill Richards, warned Federal Government that the actions of the Department of States Services (DSS) would throw Nigeria into conflict.

He condemned arrest of the Igbo Chief in Lagos, who threatened to invite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos State to protect Igbo businesses, following recent attacks and threats.

The BnL leader, who has influence among dreaded militant groups in Bakassi Peninsula, accused DSS of being biased, as it has spared Yoruba chiefs and activists, who have, publicly, threatened Igbo.

The BnL leader said: “Biafran loyalists will invade Lagos if attacks continue.

“Our boys and our supporters will invade Lagos if attacks on our people continue; it’s not hard to mobilise them; they are the ones calling for war and we are not afraid.”