Against the growing number of youth involvement in antisocial vices, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has urged the youth in the state to shun such vices, saying that doing so is the only way to repay the huge investment made in them by their parents.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ dialogue on stemming the tide of social vices among students: On Tuesday, as a panacea for positive growth in Ilorin, the governor appealed to students not to engage in any of the vices for the sake of their future.
“Cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, and sexual abuse, among others, set you up for an uncertain future of regrets, stigmatisation, premature death, and the inability to attain your dreams.
“I am pleading that you do not engage in any of it for the sake of your future. Your parents have made huge investments to make you a successful person.
“The way to pay them back is to shun any activities, associations, and affiliations that will make them cry,” he said.
The event, which was witnessed by a large number of students from different secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the state, had the presence of the state commissioner of police, Victor Olaiya, the state commander of the NDLEA, the zonal commander of the EFCC, students’ union leaders, and school heads, among others, who talked with the students.
Represented by the commissioner for tertiary education, Dr Mary Arinde, the governor said that the event was organised to give the students fresh perspectives and to open their eyes to the dangers associated with these anti-social activities.
He also asked them to make good choices that would give them a head start and make them valuable members of the Nigerian community.
“Distinguished students and young people, this conversation is not about name-calling or public shaming of anyone who may be involved in any of these social activities we have talked about.
“You mean a lot to us. The future of this country is tied to how you all turn out to be. It is not too late to make the right choice. Please do not let us down.
“I thank all of you for participating in this important conversation on issues of cybercrime, cultism, drug abuse, sexual abuse, and other social malaise among students.
“I commend the Office of the Special Assistant on Student Affairs for this initiative. I also thank all our security agencies and stakeholders who have made crucial contributions to this discussion,” he said.
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