Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has attributed the rise in thuggery and youth restiveness in the state to a lack of proper moral upbringing, stressing that both parents and religious institutions have crucial roles to play in shaping the values of young people.
The governor made this known on Saturday while declaring open this year’s annual conference of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International at the Cathedral Church of St. John in Bida, Niger State.
He further stated that parental care and strong moral education are essential in curbing the growing tide of crime, thuggery, and unrest among the youth.
Represented by former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, Governor Umaru Bago emphasised that religious institutions in the country bear a significant responsibility in strengthening the moral foundation of young people.
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He noted that his administration has reintroduced the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) in public schools as a deliberate move to promote moral education and instill reverence for God among the youth.
According to him, this initiative underscores the value of religious education in guiding and shaping young lives.
“The absence of proper moral upbringing is significantly responsible for the increasing rates of various social vices among our youths,” the governor stated.
In addition to prioritising moral education in schools, Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the growing issues of thuggery and social unrest in the state.
He emphasised, “No responsible government will fold its arms and allow miscreants to take over the state and instill fear in innocent citizens.”
The governor assured the Christian community in the state of equal treatment, affirming, “Niger State is a secular state; therefore, there will be fair and equal treatment of adherents of the two major religions.”
He added, “We have reintroduced the teaching of the two main religions in our public schools as a step towards promoting equity, justice, and fairness for all. There will be no discrimination.”
Furthermore, Governor Umaru Bago announced a donation of N10 million to the Nupe Christian Fellowship International.
Earlier, Pastor Jacob G. Tsado, President of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International, commended the governor for the ongoing infrastructural transformation of the state over the past two years, praising his exemplary leadership.
He described the annual conference as a platform for spiritual and socio-economic revival, as well as a unifying event for Nupe Christians.