A U.S based socio-cultural group, Mbano Cultural Association, has applauded the government of Imo State for the creation of development centres in the state.

The group gave the commendation in communique issued at the end of its annual convention in California and signed by Chief Louis Anumudu, National President, and Sir Basil Njoku, Secretary-General of the association.

The communique was made available to the North America Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on Saturday.

The association appealed to the administration of Gov. Rochas Okorocha to pay particular attention to some communities in the state which it identified as "underdeveloped".

The group promised to enhance its micro credit project as a veritable tool for investment and commerce in rural communities of Imo State.

The association, however, called on relevant government agencies to find a lasting solution to what it called the high rate of kidnappings and insecurity in the state.

The Mbano group, in the communique, decried "the high rate of kidnappings and insecurity in the state".

It also lamented the menace of religious violence in some parts of Nigeria.

The communique called on government to find a lasting solution to the problems and cautioned that insecurity would drive away the much-needed foreign investors.

NAN