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“We will disappoint God and man if we neglect our responsibilities and allow these youths to take up crime. This is a new year, let’s make amends. We should not totally see our appointments as self-empowerement. No matter small it is, we can still help one or two persons from it. I know the pressure is high but don’t run away from your people.”
Those were the words of Comrade Ezekiel Daniel, the Senior Special Assistant on Security to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, charging his fellow political appointees in Delta State to give priority to youth development programmes in the new year.
He gave the charge in a new year message on Tuesday, maintaining that youth-focused empowerment programmes will help reduce crime and criminality in the state.
While calling on Delta youths themselves to pursue peace and unity, Daniel stressed that well meaning indigenes of the state have a huge role to play in developing the capacity if youths in the state.
He said: “I wish to state that there is need for more unity among Deltans, despite our ethnic, religion and political backgrounds. There is a saying that in united we stand, divided we fall. We should continue to abide by Christ’s teachings. Unity is peace and peace is a sign of unity. Our governor, His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, is very concerned about the peace, unity and security of Deltans.
“We should love ourselves and try to resolve our differences through dialogue. We(Delta State government) can only be at peace when Deltans are at peace. Peace is ultimate as no meaningful development can take place in a situation of rancor and crisis. I admonish our youths to be law abiding. Stay away from crime and strive to make your parents proud. You can be proud son and daughters of your parents when you tow the part of hard work and lawfulness.
“I also call on political appointees in the state to prioritize youth development. Hardship and joblessness are some factors of increase criminality in the society. We can use youth empowerment to fight crime. We can use employement to fight crime. Even vocational training, could be used to fight crime. As political appointees in the state, we can help the governor by assisting in the areas of engaging the youths in our areas in our little ways.
“I want to assure Deltans that they should expect more from His Excellency, Senator Okowa. The governor will do amazing things in the state in 2020. He has great dreams for Deltans. And am sure, this good plans are all-embracing as it encompasses all categories of persons and sectors. I know by the time he rolls out these plans, we will all smile.
“In nutshell, we are committed to serving you as officials of the state government. Pray for us to have God’s enablement to meet your needs. We will equally have you in our prayers. Remain law-abiding and vigilant as we celebrate the new year.”