By Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)
Director General, Cross River State Drug and Narcotics Free Society Agency, (DANSEA), Barrister Tony Odey at this year’s International Youths’ Day Celebration, said more young people are caught daily in the web of drug abuse and its indulgence.
The event was organized by the State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
“The surging crime rate in the society has been attributed
to the excessive indulgence in illicit drugs,” Odey said.
Odey suggested that spirited efforts are necessary to address the anomalies, adding that thankfully, the State Government has through his agency designed measures to reverse the trend in the state.
According to DANSEA DG, his Agency is taking the crusade against illicit drugs abuse to all the nooks and crannies of the state, adding that the approach though civil, does not foreclose the enforcement measures adopted by partner organizations such as NDLEA and other security agencies.
Odey maintained that DANSEA has the mandate to reorientate, rehabilitate, re-integrate and empower drug addicts as a way of reducing crime rate in the state.
He urged young people to refrain from drug addiction and rather channel their energy into productive ventures by availing themselves of the many opportunities offered by government for adequate engagement.
Drawing inspiration from Mark Zuckerberg’s resourcefuness in founding Facebook, the DG remarked that the youth must be creative to be able to impact society positively and not the other way round.
In line with 2020 theme “Youths Engagement for Global Action”, former Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Dr. Usani Usani warned against vices among the Youths stating that the society is anxiously awaiting a better future by the positive inclinations of youthful mindsets.
Usani called for character development to be placed above paper qualifications. He urged the youths to nurture such considerations for societal good.
Commissioner for Youth and Skills Acquisition, Hon. Signor Idiege Omang dwelt on the idea of every youth developing a positive mindset as basis for societal growth, adding that in a competitive global arena, the youths have to embrace leadership priorities to be able to project a better world in the face of rising challenges.
“Projects and programmes designed to foster youths engagement dot the entire landscape of Cross River,and urged them to take advantage of these provisions by the State Government for engagement and leadership,” Omang stated.
A guest speaker, Mr. McFarland Eja in his presentation said youth must always look at the root cause of vices mostly attributed to the youth, adding that when this realization comes to mind, there would be a drastic change in orientation.
He said mentorship was also paramount in preparing for leadership, adding that some youths prefer isolation as against mentorship because they are afraid to make mistakes. Those who accept mentorship may make mistakes though, as they learn along but he said they make better leaders than those who isolate.
Governor Ben Ayade was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bar. Tina Agbor at the event.
The 2020 International Youth Day themed: “Youth Engagement for Global Action,” highlighted the importance and value of young people’s contributions and draws lessons on how their representation and engagement in institutionalized politics can be significantly enhanced.
