The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert has called for concerted efforts to keep our youths out of socio-economic and political vices so as not to endanger the future of the Nation.
Elder Albert made the remarks when executive members of the Nigerian Christian Youth Organization, Akwa Ibom State paid a courtesy call on him in his office at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo.
The state chairman said that it amounts to waste of generation when youths who are looked upon as the leaders of tomorrow are pushed into political thuggery, cultism and crime.
“It is a reality that youths are the future leaders. Ascending to that leadership height requires good character trait. But we have many of our youths who have their future wasted through bad influence. A survey of the insurgence in the North and the other acts of banditry in other parts of the country reveals the participants as being mainly youths.
“This is our challenge. All these violent activities constitute waste of the future of our nation because the mental resource needed to drive a vibrant nation through our youths would be a mirage,” Elder Albert stated.
While condemning the activities of Boko Haram for its destructive effect on the economy and social life of the North and the nation, he charged youth groups to try as much as possible to insulate young persons from bad influences that will ruin their lives.
He applauded the Christian organization for sacrificing their time, energy and resources to contribute their quota towards checking the moral laxity of the youths and helping to instill the fear of God in them, stressing that such action would in no little measure aid in evolving an egalitarian society.
According to him, “a youth with the fear of God will not get involved in vices, a youth with the fear of God will receive God’s guidance, a youth with the fear of God will be useful citizen of the nation, a youth with the fear of God will also see the need to play his role in ensuring a healthy society.”
Elder Albert remarked that the people of the state were the pioneers in playing host to the early missionaries that came to Nigeria and urged the youths who have been called to the Ministry of salvaging souls unto God to be resolute, zealous and committed to the extent that a Christian Ministry founded in the State is not only within the shores of the state but spread across the nation and the globe generally.
While pledging to support the group’s activities in the area of publicity of their programmes, Elder Albert charged the youths to shun violence and venture into research and scientific discovery as innovations are not only synonymous with “white skin”.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Christian Youth Organization, Mr Nse Gabriel congratulated the NUJ chairman for redirecting the practice of journalism on the path of ethics and hailed his administrative prowess, transparency and honesty in managing both human and financial resources, adding that such sterling qualities culminate to the various positions he has held in time past.
Speaking further, Mr. Gabriel emphasized, “Sir, over the years, you have demonstrated exemplary character, enduring humanitarian attitude to various persons, groups and organizations. Your philanthropic gestures have been a pillar for others to ascend. We are happy to have benefited in one way or the other in several of your selfless services to humanity.
“We are also proud to identify with your excellent leadership prowess, which is demonstrated in your probity, integrity, moral adherence, prudent management and resourceful discharge of responsibilities entrusted to you”.
He said these attributes informed their decision to confer “Excellence Service Award” on the union chairman “in recognition of his hard work and selfless contributions to the development of the youths, Christian faithful, Akwa Ibom State in general”
The group also used the occasion to announce its readiness to organize HIV/AIDS enlightenment campaign programme and a South-South State Prayer conference in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State slated for Wednesday –Thursday, July 24 - 25, 2014 and solicited for the union’s support for its programme
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