By DESMOND EJIBAS

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) says it is planning to empower no fewer than 1,000 persons to reduce unemployment in the Niger Delta.

MOSIEND’s President Kennedy West said this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He said that beneficiaries would acquire vocational skills in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, entertainment, ICT, sports and tourism.

“We decided to embark on this scheme as we are worried about the low turnout of our people investing in some key sectors.

“We want our people to invest in security, tourism, entertainment, agriculture, marine, oil and gas-related businesses.

“So, we will encourage the people of Niger Delta to delve into such areas by empowering 1,000 persons in different vocations,” he said.

West said that MOSIEND intended to collaborate with the nine governments of the Niger Delta, security agencies, local governments, traditional rulers and youth groups to address challenges affecting the region.

According to him, the meeting would focus on strengthening community policing, boost local economy and tackle rising anti-social vices in the region.

“Some of the vices are the continuous sea piracy activities on the Bonny River (in Rivers state) and elsewhere within our creeks.

“We are worried about the heinous crimes that are being committed by our brothers, and we want them to desist from such acts,” he added.

West said that the group would also engage the services of Niger Delta Defence and Security Surveillance Network to boost security in the maritime environment. (NAN)