Governor Umaru Bago has expressed concern over rising cases of substance abuse and youth restiveness in Niger state and the country at large.
The Niger State governorsaid this during the 2023 World Youth Day celebration organised by the state chapter of the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWINCAN) with theme: ”Drug Abuse and Youth Restiveness, a Lost For Future Generation.”
The Niger State governor was represented by the Special Adviser on Public Private Partnership, Jonathan Vatsa. He called on parents, stakeholders and relevant agencies to take proactive measures in tackling the menace.
He said, “I want to call on relevant stakeholders to join hands with government to tackle the menace because the rate at which youths are neck-deep in the act, is worrisome.
“It is alarming the rate at which the younger generation engage in substance abuse. We need a healthy generation that is free from drugs.”
Bago said that the state government would work with relevant agencies to fight drug abuse and youth restiveness.
He commended the YOWINCAN for the initiative.
Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger, the Reverend Bulus Yohanna, who was represented by Vice Chairman, the Reverend Ezekiel Ibrahim, lauded the youth wing of the association for bringing relevant stakeholders together to brainstorm on drug menace bedeviling the society.
Earlier, the Chairman of YOWICAN in Niger, Mr Emmanuel Loyin said the association was worried over youth restiveness, particularly when innocent citizens fall prey to drugs-related activities.
He said the event was organised to educate and sensitise citizens on the need for collective efforts to fight the abuse of drugs among youths.
