By Beauty John, LAFIA
Chairman of Nasarawa local government council, Mohammed Sani Otto has called on youths in Nasarawa state to desist from drug abuse, saying it is detrimental to their health.
Otto made this charge while receiving an award as a “Youth Visionary Leader ” during a one-day public lecture on “the role of youth, religious and traditional leaders in fighting the menace of rape and drug abuse in Nasarawa state” held at Abaga’s Palace in Garaku, Kokona local government area of the state, Saturday.
The council chair, who was represented by Khadeejat Musa Ojoko, decried the number of rape cases reported on a daily basis, urging the youths to desist from perpetrating such inhuman act.
He opined that youths are the driving force of every society, noting that no nation can thrive effectively without youths being at the forefront.
“It is unfortunate that a lot of youths who should be holding the government accountable are uninterested in the issue of governance because they are consumed by drug abuse and other related problems.
“The way and manner our youths devote their time to things that don’t matter much to their lives is worrisome. You don’t see them championing cause like rape, so am happy that a lot of us are waking up to the challenge,” he added.
The council chair restated his commitment to youth empowerment, assuring them that his doors will continue to be open to them.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Akala Samuel Gajere , Chairman Karu local government council said it is their
responsibility as administrators of local government to protect the lives of their citizens.
“We have cases we are already following up, I have let them understand that we will not condone anybody who will be an accomplice of rape or hide certain information as regards to rape cases in our communities.
Gajere said his administration will drive the conversation to the communities and see to it that the perpetrators of these acts are brought to book.
He commended the convener for organizing the lecture and the award given to him as “ Best performing local government chairman”.
“I feel honoured, I feel encouraged and I feel challenged, it means that people are looking at what we are doing and it reminds us that we need to do more,” he said.
The convener, Mr Ibrahim Victor Akawu said he saw the need to hold the lecture to address the rising cases of rape and drug abuse in the state.
According to him, the awards were given in recognition of the recipient’s outstanding contribution to youth empowerment and development in the state.
