By Osondu Ahirika
The Chairperson of Ethical and Attitudinal Re-orientation Commission, EARCOM, Dr Mrs Dorothy Thompson has made advocacy for the deliberate inclusion of Youths in the leadership Cadre as a necessary step to building and sustaining peace in the society.
Dr. Thompson made the call, while presenting a paper on the theme, Youths, Peace and Security, during a Youth Seminar, on the theme, ‘Peaceful and Progressive Environment’, organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCON, Ibeno chapter, held at the Youth Hall, Ukpenekang, Ibeno Local Government Area.
The EARCOM boss, who charged participants on the responsibility of Nation building, cohesion and peace for sustainable development, argued that, youths cannot be ignored in the equation, if the aim is to achieve stability and security in the society.
Dr Thompson said, recognizing the role of young people in building peace and conflict resolution will enhance the prospects of achieving same as Youths are the most critical factor in the process of building peace
She disclosed that, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has mandated EARCOM to sensitize youths in schools and community based organizations, on the need to shun social vices and pursue productive lives, explaining that, EARCOM deploys enormous resources and takes out time, to tour Local Government Areas to sensitize people on social responsibility, and instill in citizens, a tangible and solid commitment to making our society peaceful and stable.
According to Dr Thompson, a peaceful and progressive environment, is one that supports social growth and economic development.
She posited that, the young must make contributions to peaceful society and building trust across ethno – religious groups and charged that, we should avoid referring to youths as future leaders, and rather see them as leaders of today, not tomorrow.
Dr Thompson commended Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP the which she said has given youths tremendous opportunities to impact on and improve the lot of society through the Governor’s agenda of political Inclusion.
Dr Thompson said Leadership should not be based on age constraints, maintaining that, youths need to be treated with respect, recognized in peace building programmes and considered as Active agents of positive change, conflict resolution and nation building.
She however insisted that, only a relationship with the Authour of Peace and Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, is a prerequisite for the young people to have peace in their lives and thus achieve lasting peace for the society.
Dr Thompson therefore charged Ibeno youths to review and reinforce their relationship with Jesus Christ as personal Lord and saviour, knowing that, without God there Is no progress.
She frowned at social vices which youths engage in, such as kidnapping, rape, immorality and sex perversion, cultism, gangsterism, armed robbery, violence, drug abuse and other social vices, assuring them that, those who are diligent with their God given talents will stand them out before kings and live meaningful lives of success.
Earlier, the Chairman of NYCON, Elder Cyril Akpan, who was represented by Comrade Efannga Inyang-Umar in a welcome address, commended the organizers for the seminar, which he described as timely and a welcome development. He charged participants to learn from the workshop and imbibe the lessons.
The chairman of NYCON, Ibeno Chapter, Comrade Samuel Akpan, on his path, thanked those who attended the workshop and said that youths are committed to working for a better progressive society and harped that the only an atmosphere of peace and security can enable that vision.
Others who presented talks and goodwill messages during the seminar include, Deputy superintendent of Police Isong Essien, Engr. Ekerette Usak and Comrade Edem Ebong.
The well attended seminar attracted students, youth leaders and youth groups from Ibeno and other parts of the State.
Advocacy Stickers are fliers and banners sensitizing the public on the need to refrain from social vices were donated to NYCON by EARCOM to boost their campaign on peace building in the society as high point of the event.
