Caution your children against crime, extremism — Kogi govt warns parents

News Agency Of Nigeria

June 25, 2019 6:55 PM

The Kogi Government on Tuesday charged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against involvement in crimes, radicalisation, violent extremism and political thuggery capable of jeopardising peaceful coexistence in the state.

Gov Yahaya Bello (RipplesNigeria)

Dr Folashade Ayoade-Arike, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who gave the charge in Lokoja, said the government would not condone acts capable of jeopardising the peace and tranquility the state had enjoyed over time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SSG gave the warning during the official launch and unveiling of second phase of System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE) project of Actionaid Nigeria in Kogi State.

Ayoade-Arike urged parents not to allow their children to indulge in criminal activities or be used as political thugs during the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

She said that the Gov. Yahaya Bello administration would deal decisively with youths who engage in violence.

“We have a government that believes in peace, we do not believe in radicalisation and violence.

“I am calling on every parent in Kogi State to caution their children against political thuggery during and after election.

“We do not believe in killing people because we want to win an election. No position is worth anybody’s life.

“It is God Almighty that gives power to whoever he pleases, therefore we have to caution ourselves, our children and our wards against violence and anything that will impede the peace of the state” she said.

Ayoade-Arike commended Actionaid Nigeria for the landmark achievements of the first phase of the SARVE project in the state.

She, however, appealed to the organisation to do more in the second phase of the project, assuring that the state government would collaborate in any way possible to make the project achieve its objectives.

Also commenting, Mr Ahmed Mohammed, Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, said the best way to curb violent extremism in any society was to tackle poverty through the creation of jobs and to address idleness, especially among youths.

He commended ActionAid Nigeria and its local rights partners in the state, Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID) for engaging youths and women in rural areas.

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Mohammed also commended their efforts and commitment to the actualisation of Kogi Youth Bill that had been passed and assented to by the governor.

Mrs Ene Obi, ActionAid Country Director, represented by Mrs Tasalla Chibok at the launch and unveiling of second phase of the SARVE Project, enumerated the achievements of the first phase of the project that encouraged the organisation to do more.

News Agency Of Nigeria