David Okumgba, the South South Zonal Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has admonished Traditional and Religious leaders to rescue youths from destruction by instilling moral and academic values in them
In his Easter message on Sunday, April 21, 2019, he said the high rate of cultism and drug abuse among youths is alarming and except something is done urgently to stem this trend, an entire generation could become extinct.
Excerpts of the release reads: “The journey to the resurrection of our Lord began at the cross, a place of despair, pain and death which led to salvation for mankind, thus redeeming us from condemnation and sin.
“I therefore urge that this season of great sacrifice should serve as a reminder of the love God had for mankind, that He sent His son to die for our sins to save us from the shackles of darkness.
“Despite having our beloved state plunged into a season of despair, pain and death, Our youths disillusioned and led astray by men who value selfish ambition over human life, as Christians, it is our duty to emulate the sacrifice made by our Saviour, to enable us end the rain of terror in the state.
“The time has come for Churches to speak up against this trend where our youths have taken up arms, causing havoc in the society, fueled by hard drugs, because they have lost all senses of empathy, direction and vision.
“As political, religious or Traditional leaders, we have all failed and there is no better time than now, for Churches to preach the teachings of Christ to our youths to win them back to God and their families.
“Just as the resurrection of Christ brought new hope and caused a change in the world spanning generations, I call on every father, mother, elder, leader in Rivers State to salvage this situation.
“We must be concerned about the legacy we leave behind for our children and the youths of our dear state. We must once again fan the flames of patriotism, fueled by compassion and strengthened by sound education.
We should realise that whatever benefits we feel we have through the cult and drug induced actions, are only temporal, while the damage is permanent.
“I implore our dear youths of Rivers State to channel their energies towards productive ventures by embracing education , which will unleash the potentials buried inside them for a better life. I urge them to allow love and peace prevail over fear and death.
“This season provides us an opportunity to chart a new course. Our dear state can rise again from the ashes. We can once again be the envy of our nation.
“All hands must be on deck, young, old, rich or poor, Leaders and followers; we can make a difference and we will, because ” The future belongs to those who prepare for it today”- Malcolm X
“God bless you. God bless Rivers State. Happy Easter.”
