Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago, has made it clear that a strong moral upbringing for Nigerian youths is imperative for curbing youth unrest and significantly reducing the alarming rates of insecurity in the country.
Speaking during his goodwill message at the annual concert for 99 Trumpeters and the investiture of state patrons for the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Niger Council, held at the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) Good News Church in Minna on Saturday, Governor Bago did not mince words. He stated that a staggering 80 percent of Nigerian youths involved in drug abuse, criminal activities, and banditry stem from inadequate moral training and neglect from their parents. He emphasized that unless we instill the fear of God and provide our youth with essential moral guidance, societal issues will continue to escalate.
As the Grand Patron of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Niger Council, Governor Bago categorically asserted that the Boys Brigade serves as an outstanding platform for imparting moral education to Christian youths. He underscored the crucial role that religious institutions play in shaping the character and attitudes of young people, which is vital for fostering a better society.
He firmly stated that unemployment is no excuse for youths to engage in criminal behavior or substance abuse.
Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, the President of the Boys Brigade, Niger State Council, and a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, echoed the Governor’s sentiments. He affirmed that beyond encouraging morals and the fear of God, it is essential to involve youths in productive pursuits to deter them from crime and drug use—because, as the saying goes, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
In a bold move, Hon. Vatsa announced that the Boys Brigade, Niger Council, will actively participate in the agricultural revolution spearheaded by the current administration, initiating farming efforts in the upcoming planting season to generate funding for their activities instead of seeking handouts.
With Battalion Councils already established in 17 out of the 25 local government areas in the state, he confidently declared that this agricultural initiative will not only fund the Boys Brigade’s activities but also provide essential food for its members. He reiterated, “When youths are morally grounded and engaged in productive work, criminal activity will be drastically reduced.”
Rev. Dr. Solomon Bitiyong, the State Chaplain of the Boys Brigade, delivered a powerful sermon, urging the youth to remain steadfast in their faith, stressing that abandoning God leads to severe consequences. He declared, “A man cannot help himself except with God.”
In line with the theme of this year’s concert, “Resounding Joy,” Rev. Bitiyong called upon the Boys Brigade to serve God with unwavering joy, urging the newly appointed state patrons to wholeheartedly commit to God’s service and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.
The event culminated in the solemn inauguration of 50 newly appointed state patrons of the Boys Brigade by the state president, marking a significant step toward a brighter future for the youth.
