Bayelsa, Kogi Polls: Group Cautions Youths On Violence

The Founder of Useful Youth Vision Concepts, a non-governmental organisation, Mrs Adetokunbo Shonibare,  has advised the youth in Kogi and Bayelsa States not to be involved in violence during and after the November 16 elections in the states.
Shonibare made the plea in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Monday, recently.
She also urged the youth to be agents of peace and nation-building during the elections, reminding them that “the increasing participation of youths in violent activities in Nigeria in recent times was a source of worry.
“Most violent activities, ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, rape, street fighting, electoral violence, drug abuse and trafficking and violence during crises moments in Nigeria, are being perpetrated by youths.
“Yet, the very future of this country depends on the kind of youths the present generation is able to nurture.”
Shonibare appealed to the youth not to be deceived by anyone in a bid to make them perpetrate evil acts or violence. She advised the youth to help in advancing the culture of peace, nation-building and promotion of Nigeria’s heritage.
“We must invest in their education, security, job preparedness, employment opportunities and civic participation.
“The youths should play an active role in peace and conflict resolution by forming new programmes of peace missionaries and  non-governmental organisation network in the grassroots, concentrating on value education and religious renewal among children,” she said.
According to her, the government needs to empower the youth by creating an enabling environment for them to realise their full potentials through good governance.
Shonibare said that greater importance should be placed on developing functional institutions, ensuring simplicity and accountability in governance and fighting corruption, among others.