Former Head of State charges youths to shun violence
The Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), charged youths to shun violence and advocate peace and nation-building.
He made the statement during the National Peace Summit and Awards 2022, which he attended virtually. The event was themed, “The Mechanism of Sacrifices and Compromise in Nation Building and Pursuit of Peace for an Emerging New Nigeria.”
“Despite the distraction, I want to urge Nigerian youths to stay courageous. Violence has never solved any problem channel your energy to productive things.
“Whatever talent you have, be it in health, technology, entrepreneurship and so on, stay dedicated and do what you can as youths to give back to the nation. By so doing, you will build the nation.
“In a society where the majority are youths, it is important that government has plans for them by having an enabling environment and put in place policies that will keep them engaged.
“I believe that we all have a role to play as leaders; our youths should work as a unit with the government. Violence solves nothing, rather be ambassadors of peace wherever you are.”
Several other attendees of the event were; Samuel Uche, the Prelate of Methodist Church in Nigeria; Prof. Chris Nwanne, Chaplain General, Divine Institute of Chaplaincy Corps International; Solomon Adodo, the President National Youths Council of Nigeria; Sanni Dammauttaka, Chairman Northern Nigeria Youths Organisation and Apostle Chuks Alozie, the National Coordinator of the National Peace Summit and Awards.
They spoke passionately in all their remarks, hoping Nigerians, especially the youths, would strive to advocate for a peaceful society.
E/Temitope O.
