NAN-H-77
Youths
Pankshin (Plateau) July 5, 2017 (NAN) Mr Reuben Dahilip, Acting Chairman, Pankshin Local Government in Plateau, has advised youths to avoid hard drugs, cultism and other destructive social vices.
Dahilip gave the advice on Wednesday in Pankshin, at the swearing in ceremony of newly elected officials of the Pankshin chapter of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC).
“Youths are the leaders of tomorrow; as future leaders, you must be of good behaviour and be very responsible.
“The society today is very fragile. Its ills keep multiplying and come in various dimensions.
“From drug addiction to theft, cultism, banditry and drunkenness, the ills are many and always there to tempt the youth. My advice to you is to steer clear of these ills so as to live exemplary lives,” he said.
He cautioned youths against ruining their lives, pointing out that the society would be the loser if its youths went wayward.
Dahilip said that Nigeria was yearning for youths that would initiate and sustain measures toward its growth, and urged them to avoid actions that could tarnish Nigeria’s image before the international community.
In her acceptance speech, Ms Chikas Kumle, the PYC Chairman, pledged to offer “purposeful leadership that will raise hopes, restore confidence and stimulate development”.
“The society is looking up to us for a better tomorrow; we cannot afford to disappoint our elders.
“As youth leaders, we shall ensure that our colleagues steer clear of vices and also resist the temptation of being used by politicians for selfish ends,’’ she said.
Chika said that her leadership would be anchored on three cardinal points – advocacy, rehabilitation and empowerment – and called for support and cooperation from all youth groups.
While noting that Pankshin elders had a negative perception of the youths, she promised to change such impression by mobilising youths to live positive and disciplined lives that would make the elders proud. (NAN)
TYC/AOS/ETS
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni and Ephraims Sheyin