Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has urged the youths and children in the state and Nigeria at large to shun all forms of crimes and drug abuses.
Nwifuru gave the advice on Thursday in Abakaliki at the occasion of the 2024 Youth Summit in the state tagged, “Purposeful Leadership Amongst the Youths for Nation Building.”
It reported that the summit was organised by the “Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru (FON) Youth Movement.”
The Governor, represented by Mr Richard Idike, State Commissioner for Sports described the youth as pertinent to nation building and urged them to say no to drug abuses and crime.
Nwifuru noted that the importance of the youths to socio-economic development could not be over-emphasised, stressing that his administration was committed to youths empowerment.
“Ebonyi and Nigeria youths are very resourceful set of the citizens and we will continue to engage them in the efforts to move the state and nation forward.
“I have initiated several programmes for the youth because they are very important segement of the society. I urge them to support our policies for better Ebonyi and Nigeria at large,” the Governor advised.
Mr Peter Ogar, Commander, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state, represented by the Assistant Commander, Lazarus Olatoru described drug abuses as “dangerous to human health and society.”
Ogar said the Agency in the state had launched its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) at the grassroots levels.
He stressed the need for collaboration with various leaders in the state to educate the youths on the danger of drug abuse as future leaders of the nation.
According to him, drug abuse could lead to serious health challenges including stroke, mental disorder, depression, suicide, psychological trauma among others.
“I urge you, the youth to say no to drug abuses. illicit drugs and substances is dangerous to man’s health,” he advised.
The Commissioner of Police, Mrs Anthonia Uche-Anya, represented by Ekpeta James, Assistant Commissioner of police harped on the need to achieve free crime society.
Uche-Anya urged the youth to support government policies aimed at national development, especially on youths.
“We have a Governor as youth, and he will continue to engage you meaningfully. I urge you to make good use of what you have learnt from the summit for a better society,” the Commissioner added.
Chinedu Emerike, National President of FON Youth Movement said the theme of the summit was apt as it reminds them their roles and obligations in the society.
Emerike, also Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Youth Mobilization to the Governor hailed the state government on its “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda, especially for the youth.