A stakeholders’ meeting in Kogi has decried the rising menace of kidnapping, abduction, and banditry across Nigeria.
The meeting was organised on Thursday in Lokoja by the Kogi Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to promote unity against social vices.
Tagged: ‘Pathway to National Cohesion, Unity and Development’, the campaign drew attention to insecurity in Kogi.
Mr Patrick Edogbanya, NOA State Director, said the meeting was part of a nationwide campaign to address insecurity and promote national development.
He said the campaign aims to foster unity and national cohesion by tackling all forms of social disorder threatening Nigeria’s growth.
Represented by Mr Augustine Ogbonnikan, Assistant Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education, Edogbanya said public cooperation was vital to building a secure and peaceful society.
He urged authorities and security agencies to collaborate by revitalising the education and industrial sectors to reduce unemployment.
“Let us revive our lost values – discipline, hard work, care, tolerance, respect, and transparency – and make Nigeria great again,” Edogbanya said.
Presenting a paper, Ogbonnikan attributed the rising crime to negative attitudes and a decline in moral values.
He stressed that national strength depends on citizens’ values and called for collective efforts to reverse the trend.
Ogbonnikan said the campaign aims to build unity, eliminate social vices, and promote national growth and development.
“By restoring our values and working together, Nigeria can reclaim its lost glory and secure a better future,” he said.
Participants stressed the need for cooperation among parents, authorities, and security bodies to rebuild key national institutions.
They urged the government to address youth unemployment and restore values like discipline, respect, and diligence.
The meeting also warned that Nigerian youths are increasingly vulnerable due to their pursuit of quick wealth and luxury.
Parents were advised to guide and monitor their children to prevent involvement in criminal activities.
NAN reports that participants included traditional rulers, clerics, security operatives, NGOs, youth and women groups, media, and students.
(NAN)
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
