Gov Bello urges youths to shun social vices »

Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has urged youths in the state to shun social vices and acts capable of ruining their future.

Governor Bello made this statement at the endorsement ceremony organized by the state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Wednesday in Lokoja.

His words: “Help me advocate to any youth involved in drugs to desist. When you take drugs, you limit your capacity to be productive,” he explained.

“Be my good followers, let the issue of drugs and social vices be eschewed, advocate against it. There will be little, or nothing I will be able to do for you, if you involve and engage yourselves in drugs and criminality,” he said.

He therefore told the youths to position themselves for a greater future and embraced opportunities that could launch them into an enviable height.

“Tell Kogi youths the good days are here and that the government of Governor Yahaya Bello and Chief Edward David Onoja will focus more on human capital development when reelected.”

According to the Governor, the focus of his second term in office which would renew commitment on human and infrastructural developments would cut across every segment of the state, having direct bearing on the lives of the people.

“We will coast home to victory no doubt, but my greatest joy will be to leave a legacy that, I touched lives.”

“Some of you have constituted yourselves into various groups to campaign for my victory, going from nooks and crannies of the state for my reelection, but how prepared are you to key into this opportunity, if you keep involving yourselves in illegalities?” he questioned.

“Under my administration we shall live to the letter, fulfilling every promise made. We are going to implement policies that will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people. Position yourselves and be in your best behaviors, I beg of you.”

Speaking further, he appealed to the youths to take advantage of opportunities made available by the various skill acquisition programmes initiated by some of his appointees.

Governor Bello reassured the people of his administration’s preparedness to conduct the local government elections immediately after his reelection.

“In this election, show capacity. Everybody knows that I reward hard work and loyalty. That is what has earned Chief Edward Onoja my running mate and the newly appointed Chief of Staff, Pharm Abdulkareem Asuku their positions.”

“By the grace of God, in my return to office, I will be involved in dealing decisively with criminal elements still remaining within the borders of Kogi State,” he added.

He commended the Commissioner for Youths and Sports and the leadership of NYCN for coordinating the programme and their endorsement.