Community leader seeks end to vices in rural areas

Leader

By Victor Nwachukwu

Owerri Jan. 8, 2026 (NAN) Mr Patrice Unogu, the immediate past President-General of Eziama Autonomous Community, Isiala-Mbano council area of Imo, has called for an end to stealing and other vices in rural areas.

Unogu, a businessman and technocrat, made the call while speaking with newsmen, in Owerri on Wednesday following the election of his successor.

He attributed the vices to the growing spate of unemployment, adding that “only a jobless person has time for crimes”.

He called on government at all levels to look into the challenge of youth unemployment so as to nip petty stealing and violent crimes in rural areas in the bud.

 “ While I served as President-General, we received reports of petty stealing and other crimes in the villages, which I attribute majorly to youth joblessness.

 “ It is, therefore, imperative to create job and skill acquisition opportunities for the young people to address the situation,” he said.

Unogu mentioned his achievements as President-General to include the establishment of a constitution for the Eziama community and the allocation of power to President-Generals through the Courts.

Others include the provision of health insurance for the people and the training of students and youths on soft skills.

 “ After eight years and nine months of serving our people, the Eziama community, historically and constitutionally identified as the Eziama Bond of Peace, we conducted a free and fair election to usher in a new set of leaders.

 “ Our achievements did not just come, we expended personal resources in offering selfless service for the wellbeing of Eziama people.

 “ I feel relieved and unburdened that the election has come and gone and I promise to render valuable counsel whenever called upon for the good of our people,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

VIN /OJI/VIV

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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Vivian Ihechu