Develop South-East economy — Ekwueme, Okeke tell governors

Former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme has called on governors of Southeast geo-political zone to develop the economic base of the region to engage numerous unemployed youths in the area.
Ekwueme made the call at the public presentation of two books written by a former Secretary to Anambra State Government, Mr Oseloka Obaze, in Awka on Thursday.
He said the South East Development Commission (SEDC) should be made effective to enhance the synergy of the states toward creating good economic environments in the zone.
“There has been call for the Southeast governors to come together and develop the zone, the SEDC has been there, they should join hands and tackle the economic challenges of the southeast,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Simon Okeke, described the unemployment rate in the zone as alarming.
Okeke, a former Chairman of Police Service Commission, attributed the current social and economic challenges in the country to a lack of sense of history among Nigerians.
He said the policy which abolished the study of history in Nigerian schools was responsible for tensions in the country.
“The various regions of Nigeria were doing well before and immediately after the civil war, we have to understand what happened but these are some of what this generation is missing.
“Like they say, a people that do not know or remember their history and mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat them,” he said.
In his remark, a former Governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi, called for prayers for Nigeria because the economy was not at its best.
Obi said government at all levels should reduce the cost of governance.
“We must check the cost of governance as it is now unacceptable and irresponsible,” he said.
Obi lauded Oseloka for writing e books – The Regarscent Past and Here to Serve –, saying he contributed well to the development of Anambra while he served as SSG.