Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has expressed concern over the increasing rate of cultism among youths in the state, vowing that his administration will reverse the negative trend.
He made the pledge during a thanksgiving service to mark the 2015 International Youth week celebration at the Kingsway International Christian Centre in Port Harcourt.
Wike, who noted that most of the crimes committed by youths were rooted in cultism, urged cultists to repent, stressing that such a step was necessary to enable them to fulfil their destiny.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, the governor cautioned the youths against bowing to negative counsel and influence that could cut short their lives.
“I encourage the youths; please, have a teachable spirit. As the Lord has said, remember Him in the days of your youth so that your destiny will not be aborted”, he stated.
Wike also charged the traditional rulers present at the service to support his administration in the fight against cultism in their various communities.
He said his government was poised to empower youths through education and skill acquisition programmes, stressing that his administration remained committed to stem the tide of unemployment in the state in fulfilment of his election promises.
Wike, therefore, tasked royal fathers on the need to join hands with government to achieve its objectives.
“I am sure the youths will work with us to ensure that we fulfill all our election promises to the youths of Rivers State. We are going to empower them educationally and provide them with skills so that they too can be employers of labour”, Wike added.
Also, the Pastor of KICC, GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt, Daniel Nwosu, charged the youth to be productive in all their undertakings.
Nwosu, who spoke on the theme, “Youth civic engagement”, advised the youth to imbibe positive attitude in their dealings at their work places, homes and schools.
